View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. After the knife discussion, how do the other jurors pressure the dissenting juror to make him change his vote?
(a) They say he is the only one and they will return a "hung jury" verdict.
(b) They suggest that he is on the side of law breakers.
(c) They suggest that he is not intelligent enough to understand the evidence.
(d) They suggest that he is inferior because he is from the ghetto.

2. According to the defendant, why did he buy the alleged murder weapon?
(a) Because the one he had before was stolen.
(b) Because he lost the one he had before.
(c) To give it as a present to his friend.
(d) Because his father beat him.

3. At what age was the defendant in reform school?
(a) Fourteen.
(b) Fifteen.
(c) Thirteen.
(d) Sixteen.

4. In the beginning of the deliberations, how do most of the jurors demonstrate a lack of seriousness about their role as jurors?
(a) They are casual in their discussions.
(b) They are concerned about how the trial has kept them from attending to their own interests.
(c) They do not pay attention to the details.
(d) They read the newspaper.

5. In what way is the vote suggested by the dissenting voter different from the previous vote?
(a) The jurors vote by secret ballot.
(b) The jurors individually tell the foreman their decision.
(c) Each juror must give a reason for his vote.
(d) The foreman does not vote.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does the dissenting juror challenge the fact that other jurors are willing to take the alleged eyewitness' word when they would not accept the defendant's word?

2. According to the evidence, what weapon was used to kill the old man?

3. Where does the old man who testifies for the prosecution live?

4. According to the discussion, what kind of relationship exists between the victim and the defendant?

5. How many days has the trial been going on when the jurors begin their deliberations?

Short Essay Questions

1. When Juror Two states that the defendant is guilty because no one proved his innocence, the writer uses the opportunity to establish two important principles of due process. What are these principles and why does the writer have Juror Eight explain them?

2. Why do the jurors take a vote before any discussion of the evidence, and what is the impact of the outcome?

3. How do the jurors respond to the defendant's explanation of his purchase of the knife and the fact that he cannot produce it?

4. Which juror refers to the defendant's criminal record, and what does this consist of?

5. What assumptions do the jurors make about Juror Eight's vote, and how do they decide to respond?

6. What views do the jurors have about the defendant's background?

7. What inconsistency in Juror Ten's arguments does Juror Eight point out, and what is the result?

8. What additional suggestion does Juror Four make in Act I to support his assertion that the defendant is guilty?

9. How does Juror Eight respond to the evidence that Juror Three presents about the knife, and what dramatic turn of events does this cause?

10. On what point do Juror Eight and Juror Four agree concerning the performance of the defendant's lawyer? How do they differ?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,277 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample