PHOENIX (November 28, 2023) – When Commissioner Jeffrey Altieri discovered the cast of “12 Angry Jurors” were coming to visit the Court, he jumped at the chance to be their tour guide.
Commissioner Altieri, a fan of the 1957 hit movie “12 Angry Men,” relished the opportunity to prepare the all-student cast for their live, on-stage performances starting on Dec. 1 at Grand Canyon University. The commissioner gave the actors a glimpse of what it’s like to serve on a jury and partake in jury deliberations.
“Not only was it fantastic to see such dedication and effort to their craft of theatrical performance, but it warmed the heart to witness the students’ genuine interest in the application of the legal process, importance of jury service and appreciation of the weight of the decisions made in the jury deliberation room,” Commissioner Altieri said.
As part of the tour, Commissioner Altieri provided students with an overview of the jury selection process and shared his experiences in the courtroom as a judicial officer, trial attorney and jury foreman. The students were shown the Jury Assembly Room and visited Judge Joseph Kreamer’s courtroom and jury room in the South Court Tower.
Once inside the jury room, the students asked the commissioner questions to learn the mindset of a juror. They then took their respective seats around the jury room table and recited their lines from one of the play’s pivotal scenes.
“I want to thank Commissioner Altieri for taking the time to show us around the courthouse. The stories and knowledge he shared were extremely beneficial and will be a big help with our rehearsals,” said Joanie Colson, director of “12 Angry Jurors” and adjunct faculty member at GCU.
The play “12 Angry Jurors,” based on the movie “12 Angry Men,” focuses on 12 jurors who must decide the fate of a 19-year-old man who is standing trial for the fatal stabbing of his father. The play is set in 2005 and takes the audience through contentious jury deliberations where tempers get short.
Starring Henry Fonda, “12 Angry Men” was nominated for Best Picture, Best Director and Best Screenplay at the 1958 Academy Awards. It is regarded by many as one of the greatest films ever made and is a favorite among judicial officers, lawyers and court staff.
For more information on “12 Angry Jurors” and a schedule of upcoming performances, please visit: https://events.gcu.edu/series/12-angry-jurors/.