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The woman across the street
A minor character whose offstage voice sets the context for the play by reminding the jurors of their legal responsibilities in this case. The judge establishes the charge as “murder in the first degree” and explains that for a man to be “guilty” the evidence must prove this “beyond a reasonable doubt.”
Judge Quotes in Twelve Angry Men
The Twelve Angry Men quotes below are all either spoken by Judge or refer to Judge. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:
).
Act 1
Quotes
Murder in the first degree—premeditated homicide—is the most serious charge tried in our criminal courts. You've heard a long and complex case, gentlemen, and it is now your duty to sit down to try and separate the facts from the fancy. One man is dead. The life of another is at stake. If there is a reasonable doubt in your minds as to the guilt of the accused . . . then you must declare him not guilty. If, however, there is no reasonable doubt, then he must be found guilty. Whichever way you decide, the verdict must be unanimous. I urge you to deliberate honestly and thoughtfully. You are faced with a grave responsibility. Thank you, gentlemen.
Related Characters:
Related Themes:
Page Number and Citation:
Explanation and Analysis:
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Judge Quotes in Twelve Angry Men
The Twelve Angry Men quotes below are all either spoken by Judge or refer to Judge. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:
).
Act 1
Quotes
Murder in the first degree—premeditated homicide—is the most serious charge tried in our criminal courts. You've heard a long and complex case, gentlemen, and it is now your duty to sit down to try and separate the facts from the fancy. One man is dead. The life of another is at stake. If there is a reasonable doubt in your minds as to the guilt of the accused . . . then you must declare him not guilty. If, however, there is no reasonable doubt, then he must be found guilty. Whichever way you decide, the verdict must be unanimous. I urge you to deliberate honestly and thoughtfully. You are faced with a grave responsibility. Thank you, gentlemen.
Related Characters:
Related Themes:
Page Number and Citation:
Explanation and Analysis:
