Persuasive Text - Article: In Defense of the Jury System Answers
Read the following excerpt from "The Jury's Out" and answer the question below: -- Steven Ainsley in a recent commentary rightly observes that "making the conscious decision to avoid jury duty has immediate ramifications, all of them negative." He insists that "the message we send to our children is that civic responsibility is a trivial part of our lives, easily dismissed, and that there is little value to the notion of the importance of community." These worthy sentiments notwithstanding, what we need in this case are broad systemic reforms to encourage jury service, not calls for more civic engagement and responsibility. We need to address the corrupting practice of "peremptory challenges," for instance, in which lawyers picking a jury are allowed to dismiss up to fifteen potential jurors without explanation. Through this process, some of the most qualified jurors are often weeded out at the start. We also need to reassess the growing dependence among lawyers on jury consultants. These are scientific experts skilled at selecting jurors predisposed toward one verdict or another. Their criteria are routinely based on gender, class, and racial stereotypes. So long as specialists manipulate the jury process, there is precious little an individual can contribute to a fair trial. -- Give one example of how the author uses persuasive text from the very first word of the sentence chosen and explain your reasoning.
One example is the phrase "These worthy sentiments notwithstanding." From the very first word, "These," the author refers back to the previous argument and then dismisses it. This is persuasive because it acknowledges the other side before shifting to the author’s own claim that systemic reform matters more than simply telling people to be more responsible.
What types of jury cases would you like to be a part of as a juror? What would be of importance to you serving as a juror?
I would like to be part of cases where the evidence can be carefully examined, such as criminal or civil cases involving fairness and justice. What would be most important to me is listening closely, being unbiased, following the law, and making sure both sides are treated fairly before reaching a decision.
Give two main ideas the author states that need to be addressed to reform juries:
Two main ideas the author says need to be addressed are peremptory challenges and the growing use of jury consultants. The author argues that peremptory challenges can remove qualified jurors without explanation, and jury consultants use stereotypes to pick jurors who may favor one side.
Explain the following text. What is the main idea?Steven Ainsley in a recent commentary rightly observes that "making the conscious decision to avoid jury duty has immediate ramifications, all of them negative." He insists that "the message we send to our children is that civic responsibility is a trivial part of our lives, easily dismissed, and that there is little value to the notion of the importance of community."
The main idea is that avoiding jury duty harms society. The passage explains that when people choose not to serve, they show children that civic duty is unimportant and that community responsibility does not matter. In other words, refusing jury duty sends a negative message about citizenship and public service.
In your opinion, what could be done to avoid work excuses in serving on a jury?
One way to avoid work excuses for jury duty would be for employers to offer paid jury leave and protect workers from losing wages or their jobs while serving. If people knew their income and position were secure, fewer would try to avoid serving.
What is the tone of the following text, what words are used to support the tone? Explain.The verdict in the O.J. Simpson trial has given new life to the old quip that if you ever get into trouble with the law; your fate is likely to be determined by twelve people who are not even smart enough to get out of jury duty.
The tone of the passage is sarcastic and critical. Words and phrases like "old quip" and "not even smart enough to get out of jury duty" show mockery and disrespect toward the people serving on the jury.
Think critically about the photo below. List 5 questions you might have for a potential juror if you were the lawyer choosing jurors.
1. Do you have any personal beliefs that would make it hard for you to judge this case fairly? 2. Have you or someone close to you ever been involved in a criminal trial? 3. Would taking an oath on the Bible influence how seriously you view your duty as a juror? 4. Can you listen to the evidence objectively without already assuming guilt or innocence? 5. Is there any reason you might favor one side over the other before hearing the facts?
Preview the following picture, caption, and title. Ask 5 questions about the items that will help with reading comprehension. Innocent until Proven Guilty Jurors box
1. Why is the title "Innocent until Proven Guilty" important to jurors? 2. What role does the standing person play in the courtroom or jury box? 3. How do jurors decide whether a person is guilty or innocent? 4. What evidence must jurors consider before making a decision? 5. Why might different jurors have different opinions about the same case?
What tone is used in the following text. What key words suggest the tone. ExplainFor whatever else the Simpson case may suggest about the shortcomings our legal system, it has renewed the debate in America about the process of trial by jury.It is a system fraught with contradictions: While most Americans embrace the idea of trial by jury, we are dismayed by its practical results.
The tone is reflective and critical. Words such as "shortcomings," "renewed the debate," "fraught with contradictions," and "dismayed" suggest that the author is thoughtfully examining serious problems in the jury system. The passage shows concern about how Americans value jury trials in theory but are disappointed by their real-life outcomes.
Provide one example of sarcasm in the persuasive text. Explain
One example of sarcasm is: "your fate is likely to be determined by twelve people who are not even smart enough to get out of jury duty." This is sarcastic because the writer does not literally mean jurors are unintelligent; instead, the line mocks the idea that juries are made up of incapable people in order to criticize how some people view the jury system.
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