Twelve jurors must determine the fate of the life or death of a youth accused of murder. All of the jurors believe the young man to be guilty, all but juror #8 (Henry Fonda). As the twelve men suffer in a small, hot, and steamy jury room, most want to go home. Overcoming overwhelming peer pressure, the Fonda character pleads to discuss the evidence that seems to lead to an overwhelming verdict of guilty. What constitutes certainty "beyond a reasonable doubt?" To what extent does one's life experience or prejudices influence a person's reality. Juror #3's (Lee J. Cobb) vote of guilty is informed by feelings of racism and hate. At the conclusion of the film each juror must confront the problems of his own life to justly judge another.