Author Archives: Casimir Colon

My Response to the 2020 Election [11.07.2020]

Posted on by
Reply

After much 4 years of anticipation since high school, gruelingly waiting in cold weather for an hour to vote, much research, discussions and, of course, arguments, we [America] will have a new president for the next four years: Joseph Robinette Biden Jr. This makes me feel proud because the man I voted for won and his victory allows me to believe there is hope for the nation. Seeing my mom and news reporters wipe tears, receiving texts of friends and family celebrating, and witnessing Joe Biden himself hug supporters made me feel like a proud, politically active Black adult for the first time in my life. Knowing some of Biden’s background such as losing his wife and daughter in and accident and his son Beau Biden dying from brain cancer allows me to believe Joe is a man of empathy and humanity, something that will be an active factor during his presidency. A presidency I can proudly say, help become reality and can say will be proud to witness.

https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/07/politics/joe-biden-wins-us-presidential-election/index.html

Amy Tan “Response”

Posted on by
1

In “Mother Tongue”, by Amy Tan, a legal issue that can be identified is Asian racial profiling among common Asian stereotypes such as Asians only being good at mathematics and nothing else. This issue is identified when Amy’s mother is taken for granted and does not receive her dues and is being cheated out of them. Amy’s mother does not speak English well so her daughter translates for her which upsets her. Knowing that her mother is targeted for her broken English, Amy decides to major in Literature class instead of following the stereotype of being a Math major proving the stereotype ignorant. The discriminate nature of stereotyping immigrants, protected class in America, is not just a legal issue of racial profiling but is unfortunately an American custom due to the country’s dark history. It’s history of racism is still in effect and Amy Tan and her mother are symbols of its current presence.

Law in Culture (12 Angry Men)

Posted on by
1

12 Angry Men is a 1954 play by Reginald Rose that later become a cinematic success in 1957. Both pieces depict a darker and more unpleasant side of the role given to jurors in the criminal court system.

The setting of 12 Angry Men takes place in a hot courtroom in bad weather with 12 jurors given the task to unanimously vote either “guilty” or “not guilty” of a case of a 19 year old boy who is charged for allegedly stabbing his father, killing him. Inside the courtroom, eleven jurors instantly vote guilty except the 8th juror which frustrates most of the others causing a long debate whether the boy is guilty or not. Multiple jurors initially show disdain to the thought of the child’s innocence along with Juror 8’s ‘not guilty’ verdict. For instance, Juror 3 through pure personal bias and anger through most of the book/film. Other jurors show no concern for the court and want to leave as fast as possible. For example, juror 7 has tickets to a baseball game that he is more interested in attending than his jury. It’s tough at first but Juror 8 slowly starts winning other jurors over, convincing them to vote ‘not guilty’ through showing resilience, having an open mind, and giving logical reasoning for reasonable doubt against opposing arguments. In the end, despite the various adversities such as being outnumbered from the start, ridiculed, fighting other’s personal prejudices, and a final stand off between juror 3, all jurors unanimously conclude the verdict: ‘not guilty’.

The play displays the role that jurors have in a criminal case: unanimously vote guilty or not guilty. But in a more cruel manner. Jurors are encouraged to be unbiased and fair. However 12 Angry Men shows in reality it’s not always the case as individuals will let their bias intertwine with the law, causing turmoil to spill over legally, straying away from the reason why we have a democratic legal system in place. Where there is prejudice, there is injustice.

*12 Angry Men

Posted on by
1

For my cultural review project in Paralegal studies, I have chosen the book/film 12 Angry Men by Reginald Rose. 12 Angry Men is a legal book and classic film that depicts a cryptic reality of the nature of jury duty due to it’s prejudicial nature, and horrific chance of punishing the innocents. The book takes place in a jury room with 12 men who must vote ‘guilty’ or ‘not guilty’ of a 19 year old being charged with the murder of his father. 11 all immediately vote guilty except for 1 juror. This leads to long arguments and close altercations happening amongst 12 frustrated jurors. The plays cultural review depicts realistic modern cruelty such as mass incarceration and prejudice.

Cite sources:

https://www.enotes.com/topics/twelve-angry-men#:~:text=Twelve%20Angry%20Men%20is%20a,eleven%20guilty%2C%20one%20not%20guilty.

https://www.gradesaver.com/12-angry-men/study-guide/summary