Analysis of 12 Angry Men

Watch the Film:

• Film: 12 Angry Men
• Objective: will watch 12 Angry Men and analyze how each juror navigates their moral and ethical obligations during the jury deliberation process.
• Link to Film:
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwIxcEvRq0g (Copy and paste into your browser)

Analyze All of these Ethical Theories:

While watching the film, identify instances where ethical theories apply and address the following:

Virtue Ethics:

• How do individual character traits influence the jurors’ decisions and actions?
• Which jurors demonstrate courage, integrity, or other virtues during deliberation?

Utilitarianism:

• How do the jurors weigh the greatest good for the greatest number in their decision-making?
• Are there moments where collective welfare takes precedence over individual concerns?

Ethical Formalism:

• Are there jurors whose decisions are guided by a duty to uphold legal principles?
• Discuss any adherence to rules and universal ethical norms.

Relativism vs. Universalism:

• Identify instances where cultural, personal, or situational ethics clash with universal principles of justice.
• How do jurors navigate these conflicts?

Key Themes to Address (Address all themes):

Prejudice and Bias:

• How do personal biases or prejudices influence the jurors' initial positions?
• Highlight moments where biases are challenged or reinforced.

Reasonable Doubt:

• Analyze how the jurors handle the concept of "reasonable doubt" and how it shapes their decisions.
• What arguments effectively bring doubt to light?

Group Dynamics:

• Explore how group interactions, persuasion, and conflict resolution influence the deliberation process.
• Highlight the role of peer pressure, leadership, and groupthink.

Assignment Deliverables (Complete Both):

1. Write a 2-Page Analysis

• Content to Address:
• What ethical dilemmas do the jurors face, and how do they resolve them?
• How does the movie illustrate key ethical theories from the textbook?
• Which juror’s approach aligns most closely with your own ethical beliefs, and why?
• Supporting Materials:
• Include 2–3 quotes or key moments from the film to illustrate your points.
• Reference specific chapters or concepts from the textbook (e.g., virtue ethics, utilitarianism)n.