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1. 
   dbello Teacher
   High School - 12th Grade

   eNotes Editor

   Best answer as selected by question asker.

   Twelve Angry Men is as relevant today as it was in 1957, because it challenges a free society governed by the rule of the law it creates to 'practice what it preaches'. The first ballot taken by the jury juror #8  votes not guilty not because he believes the accused is not guilty, but because he believes that the accused deserves the right to an impartial jury regardless of any personal feelings or judgements he might have about the individual. Understanding this principle is the backbone of the American Judicial System. Juror #8 believed the accused is innocent until proven guilty. Juror #8 understood the importance that judgement be based upon the evidence and not on the personal opinions of others.  By juror #8 voting not guilty the first time around he claimed an active role in the judicial process. It took some time for juror #11 to verbalize the importance of the active process of the judicial system, however his willingness to finally 'verbalize' his opinion was the first step towards his role as an active citizen. Juror #11's first vote was 'guilty' but ultimately changes his vote to not guilty, the question is why? Juror #11 was not born an American citizen, however in that jury room he realizes that if a society is to remain free the stakeholders must be active participants...Juror #11 is transformed from a passive to an active citizen, requirement #1 in a free society.

   Sources:

   http://www.BillofRightsInstitute.org

   http://www.enotes.com/twelveangrymen/themes

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   Posted by dbello on Thursday September 10, 2009 at 9:15 PM
   
   

2. 
   xbox360 Student
   High School - 10th Grade

   thanks dude!!!

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   Posted by xbox360 on Thursday September 10, 2009 at 9:18 PM