Blind Justice
Micah 6:8
“Blind Justice” is episode #354 of the Adventures in Odyssey audio series. It was written by Marshal Younger and Paul McCusker, and originally aired on May 11, 1996.
Summary
Eugene and Bernard wind up on the same jury and must decide the fate of a young boy accused of burglary.
Plot
Bernard and Eugene learn a lesson in civic duty as they are called to sit on the same jury. They, and the 10 other jurors, must decide the guilt or innocence of a young man named Donald who is accused of breaking-and-entering and burglary. Donald has confessed to the breaking-and-entering, but does not admit to the burglary.
In the jury room, the vote is 11-to-1 to convict him of both crimes. The lone holdout? Eugene! He simply isn’t convinced of Donald’s guilt in the burglary and demands that they review all the facts until they can be sure. The jury argues and argues. Slowly but surely, Eugene convinces nearly everyone that Donald is innocent. Only a begrudged juror, Victor Laslic, holds out. Under pressure, Victor reveals that he has a personal vendetta against Donald. A mistrial is declared, but with the jury's finds, justice should triumph after all.
- This plot section is too short and should be expanded. »
Discussion Questions
- Why was Eugene so adamant against voting Donald guilty?
- Was Victor right or wrong in his feelings about Donald?
- Why is justice so important?
Cast
Notes
- Trivia
- This episode’s entire plot is taken from the play/film “12 Angry Men.”
- This episode takes place away from Odyssey: Episodes That Take Place Away from Odyssey
Quotes
Bernard Walton: Now wait a minute! Hold it! There will be no name-calling here, you bonehead.
Eugene Meltsner: Ah, you smell that Mr. Walton? The smells of juries past coming into this very room to participate in the American judicial system.
Bernard Walton: I think you're confusing justice with floor wax.
Victor Laslic: You know Eugene, don't you?
Bernard Walton: Eugene... yeah, I've seen him around.
Victor Laslic: Well, what is it going to take to get him to change his mind?
Bernard Walton: Surgery.
Bernard Walton: Eugene, the next time you nominate me the foreman of anything, our friendship is over.
Eugene Meltsner: Understood.
Bernard Walton: Let's see. We have eleven votes of guilty, and one vote of... it says: I am undecided at this... I can't read this scrawl... Undecided at this...
Eugene Meltsner: Juncture.
Bernard Walton: …Juncture, but my inclinations are that the defendant is not guilty.
Bernard Walton: Not that I would wish this on anyone, but we have to listen to Eugene. He's... right. All twelve of us have to agree. That's the law.
Bernard Walton: There is nothing worse than cold pot-roast. The gravy gets all rubbery.
Victor Laslic: Aren't you tired of these gangs running around, getting away with this kind of stuff? Why don't we convict this kid and show the rest of 'em that they can't do it. Come on, let's send a message.
Eugene Meltsner: And if he's innocent?
Victor Laslic: That's the price he pays for hanging around with criminals. And if we let criminals roam around free, then pretty soon this town will be afraid to walk the streets alone. Is that what you want for our town?
Eugene Meltsner: I'm sorry, Victor, but what I want is irrelevant to what we've been called here to do: discern the truth and render a fair verdict. Yes, I'd like to send a message, but the message I want to send is: our system of justice works.
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