Asses the fundamental principles of Jurisprudence in Lumets film Essay

Asses the fundamental principles of Jurisprudence in Lumets film Twelve Angry Men - Essay Example That is until one juror votes â€Å"not guilty† on the grounds that â€Å"it’s possible† that the man is innocent. That one phrase is the key to his argument, which enables him to change the opinions of every other juror in the room and turn a near conviction into an acquittal. The juror, Juror #8, argues that it is not certain that the witnesses were correct in their testimonies. When one of the other jurors argues against him and says that what they are doing isn’t an exact science he replies, â€Å"That’s right, it isn’t†. This juror recognizes the fundamental principles of jurisprudence as it applies to juries in a court of law. He knows that jury deliberation should be approached from a careful perspective and should not stray from that perspective. Juror #8 recognizes that there is an ethical ground by which every member of a jury should adhere to. â€Å"The jury has the right to determine both the law and the facts.†- Samuel Chase (fortunecity.com). This means that the jury is granted the right to weigh the facts of the case and come to a conclusion about what illegal activities have occurred based on those facts, but only those facts. They don’t only have the right to determine the facts. They have the obligation to determine the facts. There can be no straying from the facts. Biases or prejudices cannot interfere with a juror’s decision. The jurors also cannot come to a conclusion that is based only on speculation or a â€Å"leap of faith†. â€Å"Most of em, its like they have no feelings! They can do anything! Whats goin on here? Im trying to tell you were makin a big mistake, you people! This kids a liar! I know it. I know all about them! I mean, whats happenin here? Im speaking my piece†¦,† says Juror #10. The last part of that line speaks volumes about why that particular juror thinks that he knows exactly what happened the night of the murder. He has let his opinion