Minor Assignment
1. Discuss the following Group Dynamics in 12 Angry Men
Group Formulation
Answer- In the movie 12 Angry Men, 12 men who do not know each
other find themselves locked into a jury room. There is an 18-year-old
black boy from the slums, charged with first-degree murder for killing his
father. The 12 jurymen must reach a unanimous verdict, coming to a
decision of whether a reasonable doubt remains or not.
In the whole movie, each member has been crafted very carefully. They
have been given a proper role to play in the group dynamics.
Group decision making
Answer- The movie 12 Angry Men is an example of group decision-
making. The movie starts when the 12 men gathered in a room and
started to discuss whether the boy is guilty or not. The first voting starts
with 11 to 1 in favor of guilty. Everyone was shocked because they
thought that all the facts that were presented in the court were already
directly saying that the boy killed his father, but this one man who voted
not guilty has a doubt about the facts that were presented. He believes
that they should further discuss all the facts and make sure that there are
no reasonable doubts about their decision. The 11 men were pissed off
because what else do they need to talk about, it’s already proven that he
is guilty, but the one guy strongly believe that there's something wrong in
the case and that they need to thoroughly think about it because the life
of the 18-year-old boy is at stake in their hands.
Every time he questions the evidence, some members disagree and
they’re just wasting time but also at the same time some members
change their decisions. Their discussion continues until there was only
one man who is still voted guilty. I believe that the man still votes guilty
even though he knows that the boy is not guilty but because of his
personal prejudice, he doesn’t believe it. After many discussions, they
end up with a decision that the boy is not guilty.
2. Identify two characters that were represented on the jury. How did the
personalities of these characters affect their judgment? Include specific
examples from the movie in your answer.
Answer- Two characters that were represented on the jury are an
architect (Juror no. 8) and a Leader or Foreman Juror no.1).
Juror no.8 is a caring man who has put more thought into the case than
any of the other jurors. He tries to do his best in the face of seemingly
impossible odds. Both confident and nervous, as well as being under
intense and hostile scrutiny, No. 8 states that he couldn't vote in that
way for one simple reason; there is reasonable doubt in his mind. No. 8
acts as a “model person” and “nonconformist.”
However, Juror no.1 tries to impose order in his capacity as Leader (or
Foreman). He plays the role of “leader”. He appears at ease only once
during the film – when he talks about football.
3. Choose which juror you identify with and explain why?
Answer- Juror no.8 is a caring man who has put more thought into the
case than any of the other jurors. He tries to do his best in the face of
seemingly impossible odds. Both confident and nervous, as well as being
under intense and hostile scrutiny, No. 8 states that he couldn't vote in
that way for one simple reason. Juror 8 convinces all others in taking the
case to a logical end. The story is also great which provides the best
background bringing out the group dynamics in the movie.
Submitted by Kartikey Mishra (B037)
