Final answer:
The prosecutor likely presented a photograph of Mr. Nesbitt to the jurors in 'Monster' to humanize the victim and emotionally influence the jury to gain a conviction. The correct option is C.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Walter Dean Myers’ novel Monster, the prosecutor shows the photograph of Mr. Nesbitt to the jurors during the court case likely to portray Mr. Nesbitt as a victim and elicit emotional reactions from the jury. This tactic is intended to humanize the victim and potentially sway the jury by putting a face to the crime, emphasizing the loss of life, and indirectly suggesting the heinousness of the accused's actions. While options A, B, and C all present possible reasons for the introduction of evidence during a trial, option D is not applicable as Mr. Nesbitt, being the victim of the crime, could not serve as a witness. The aim of the prosecution is to provide evidence that can secure a conviction and showing the photograph complements their narrative that the accused is responsible for a serious crime.
The role of the jury is crucial, as they are responsible for determining the innocence or guilt based on the evidence presented. In this case, the emotional impact of viewing Mr. Nesbitt's photograph can be a powerful component of the prosecution's strategy to convince the jury of the gravity of the alleged crime and therefore, the guilt of the defendant. As part of a fair judicial system, the prosecutors use such evidence to support their argument, while the defense must counter with their own evidence and narrative to foster reasonable doubt. The inclusion of such photographic evidence is a common practice in trials, aiming to make the crime more tangible and impactful for the jurors.