What ‘12 Angry Men’ Can Teach You About Juries
Lessons From a Courtroom Classic
If you’ve ever binge-watched way too many episodes of “Law & Order,” you know that the legal process makes for compelling entertainment. In addition to being a genre in its own right, courtroom drama can teach you a thing or two about law. Hollywood is in the business of making things larger than life, so don’t assume that court in real life will play out like it does on screen. That said, there are a lot of movies that offer probing insights into the legal experience. “12 Angry Men,” one of the best legal dramas of all time, is a prime example. Released in 1957, the movie retains all of its power and relevance to this day. The premise couldn’t be simpler. It focuses on a jury deliberating the case of a man accused of murder. The magic of the movie is that it dramatizes the process of coming to a verdict to stunning effect. Watching it, you come to realize just how ambiguous evidence can be and how difficult the job of a juror is. We
won’t spoil anything here, but suffice it to say that the ending is surprising in the best possible way. Directed by Sidney Lumet and featuring an incredible performance form Henry Fonda, “12 Angry Men” is a certified courtroom classic. Current Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor remembers watching the movie in college and the powerful reaction it produced. “It sold me, I was on the right path,” she says. “The movie continues to ring the chords within me.” You may not come away from “12 Angry Men” ready to become one of the nation’s preeminent judges, but hopefully, you’ll learn a little bit about what being a juror is like, and be thoroughly entertained while you’re at it.
Laugh Out LOUD
Slow Cooker Raspberry WHITE HOT CHOCOLATE
Looking for a way to prepare a warm treat for the kids while they’re out building snowmen? Break out the slow cooker and enjoy the best hot cocoa you’ve ever had!
INGREDIENTS
• 1 cup white chocolate chips • 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk • 2 cups heavy cream, divided • 3 cups milk (any variety will do)
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar • 1 teaspoon vanilla • 4 tablespoons raspberry liqueur or syrup
DIRECTIONS
1. In a slow cooker, combine white chocolate chips, condensed milk, 1 cup cream, and milk. Cover and heat on low about 2 hours.
3. Using a hand or stand mixer, whip until stiff peaks form. 4. Serve mugs of hot chocolate with about 1 tablespoon of raspberry liqueur or syrup to taste and a dollop of whipped cream.
2. In a large bowl, mix remaining 1 cup cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla.
(Recipe inspired by SlowCookerGourmet.net.)
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