It is 1959 and 12 jurors have been led into a jury room of a New York City court of law. They are given final instructions about determining the verdict in a murder case whose defendant faces the death penalty if found guilty.
Before deliberations begin, they take a short break after filing into the hot and stuffy room. They gather around a long table to begin discussions about the case. The defendant, a young man, is accused of killing his father; and, after a preliminary vote, all but one of the jurors presume he is guilty. Juror #8 is the only one who feels differently. Because they must come to a unanimous decision, debates begin.
It is agreed to go around the table and have each man explain why he believes the young man is guilty, in hopes of convincing Juror #8 to change his mind. They heatedly discuss the known facts of the case; and little by little the personalities, opinions, and biases of each juror become evident. Will this last juror obstinately stand his ground or can the others convince him otherwise.
© Francisco Montes Photography