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Examples Of Bias In 12 Angry Men

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12 Angry Men by Reginald Rose is a primary example of how bias can affect one’s decision-making. As the trial progresses, it is clear to the reader just how much bias can be used as an obstacle to justice. Throughout the course of the play, Reginald Rose illustrates how the prejudice of juror number 10, and the past of juror number 3 prevent them from trying the case logically and unbiasedly. Juror number 10 displays a major bias toward the defendant, which ultimately leads to a preconceived notion. To begin this play, Juror number 10 expresses prejudice when he states, “You’re not going to tell us that we’re supposed to believe him, knowing what he is” (Rose 16). In the case of juror number 10, prejudice plays a huge role in his decision-making because his bias towards the defendant influences him to want to declare the defendant guilty before knowing all the facts. It is clear from his choice of words, "knowing what he is" (Rose 16) that he has already written off the defendant and is ready to declare him guilty. In conclusion, juror number 10’s perspective of this case is compromised and, as a result, he has a bigoted mindset towards it because of the group of people he associates with the defendant. …show more content…

Juror 3 explains to the other jurors, “I’ve got a kid… I haven’t seen him in three years. Rotten kid! I hate tough kids!” (Rose 21). In the mind of juror number 3, the defendant is like his own kid that left him. Due to the resemblance to his own child, this clouds his judgment, and nothing can sway his decision to assume that the defendant is guilty. Juror number 3’s perspective of the defendant and the case is influenced by the fact that he sees a resemblance with his own son who left him, so he is biased as to whether he views him as guilty or

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