Infallible Verdicts Worksheet
Exhibit A: Word Study
Case File: 12 Angry Men / Juror 8 Analysis
Juror Name:
Date:
"Lawyers aren't infallible."
— Juror 8, Act II
Word Breakdown
in-fal-li-ble
adjective | \ in-ˈfa-lə-bəl \
1. Incapable of making mistakes or being wrong.
2. Never failing; always effective or certain.
Synonyms
- • Unerring
- • Faultless
- • Unfailing
Antonyms
- • Fallible
- • Error-prone
- • Imperfect
Evidence Check
Identify if the following statements are True (T) or False (F) based on the definition.
An infallible witness never forgets details.
T
F
An infallible person never makes a single mistake.
T
F
Juror 8 thinks lawyers are infallible.
T
F
Case Statements
Complete the following sentences using your knowledge of the play and the word infallible.
1. Juror 3 believes the prosecution's evidence is _____________________, leaving no room for anyone to doubt the defendant's guilt.
2. By challenging the old man's testimony, Juror 8 demonstrates that even eyewitnesses are not _____________________, as they can be mistaken about what they saw or heard.
3. If the justice system were truly _____________________, there would be no reason to have 12 jurors deliberate for hours to reach a verdict.
The Verdict
Juror 8 says, "Lawyers aren't infallible." Why does he want the other jurors to understand this? Check the three (3) boxes that best explain his goal.
He wants them to see that even "experts" can make mistakes.
He wants to prove that the prosecution is lying on purpose.
He wants to create "reasonable doubt" in their minds.
He wants to help the defendant escape from jail.
He wants them to double-check the facts instead of just trusting the lawyers.
Infallible Verdicts Answer Key
Judge's Bench Notes
Answer Key: Infallible Verdicts Worksheet
Official Key
Original Context:
"Lawyers aren't infallible." — Juror 8
Evidence Check
An infallible witness never forgets details.
T
F
An infallible person never makes a single mistake.
T
F
Juror 8 thinks lawyers are infallible.
T
F
Case Statements
1. Juror 3 believes the prosecution's evidence is infallible, leaving no room for anyone to doubt the defendant's guilt.
2. By challenging the old man's testimony, Juror 8 demonstrates that even eyewitnesses are not infallible, as they can be mistaken about what they saw or heard.
3. If the justice system were truly infallible, there would be no reason to have 12 jurors deliberate for hours to reach a verdict.
The Verdict: Selection Guide
Students should have checked the following three (3) options:
✓
He wants them to see that even "experts" can make mistakes.
Incorrect: The play focuses on human error, not necessarily intentional lies.
✓
He wants to create "reasonable doubt" in their minds.
Incorrect: Juror 8 is focused on justice and process, not "escaping."
✓
He wants them to double-check the facts instead of just trusting the lawyers.
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