Final answer:
In 'Twelve Angry Men,' characterization is used to explore biases in the justice system, paralleled by historical cases like the Scottsboro case and Frankfurter's criticisms, reflecting societal concerns about jury impartiality and systemic injustices.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Twelve Angry Men by Reginald Rose, characterization is a key literary device used to reveal the biases and partialities in the justice system. This play delves deeply into the personal prejudices of the jurors, illustrating how these biases can affect the outcome of a trial. Historical instances such as the trial discussed by Felix Frankfurter, the Scottsboro case, and the trial of Jean Gianini serve as examples that support the idea that the justice system can be influenced by extrajudicial factors like race, social views, and media coverage. The characterization in Twelve Angry Men reflects a broad societal concern that juries may not always operate on the evidence alone but are also influenced by their personal prejudices and the prevailing social attitudes of the time.
Examples from history support this notion. The Scottsboro case is one where racial bias in an all-white jury impacted the judgment, even when evidence and subsequent confessions should have led to different outcomes. The mention of Felix Frankfurter's criticism regarding the exploitation of the defendants' background and stance during trials illustrates the manipulation of the justice system and supports the thematic concerns raised in Rose's play. The situation in Herkimer County introduces the argument that one's intelligence and awareness of their actions might influence jury decisions, adding another layer to the examination of bias within the legal process.
Critical race theory and testimonial injustice are also touched upon, explaining how jurors belonging to minorities are suggested to vote in a manner that opposes an oppressive judicial system, regardless of the evidence. This reflects the critical thematic discussion within Twelve Angry Men regarding the struggle for fairness and justice against systemic bias and discrimination. Thus, it becomes evident that Rose's play and the historical examples provided reflect a critical view of the justice system's vulnerabilities to prejudice and highlight the importance of objectivity and legal representation.