MovieChat Forums > A Time to Kill (1996) Discussion > Closing argument *Now imagine*

Closing argument Now imagine

posted 9 years ago by aldmph
4 replies | jump to latest

I have never really understood the point Jake was making in his closing argument by asking the jurors to envision what little Tonya suffered and then saying “Now imagine she’s white.” He already has the jury in tears, so they are clearly sympathizing with Carl Lee. Then Jake says to imagine the victim is white – I assume the point is that the jury will suddenly take the crime more seriously. But for that point to be driven home in the film, I would think we would be seeing a relatively stone-faced jury until that moment. I’m interested to know what others think – how did you interpret this turning point?

[–] elechien 9 years ago

I don't think it would be allowed the prosecutor can object during a closing but it was fine for a fictional movie.

[–] HairynosedWombat 9 years ago

He was guilty of premeditated murder. The only legal alternative was the insanity plea.

But Jake went for jury nullification, where the jury ignores the law and (almost certainly) the judges instructions.

Opened my window to listen to the news
But all I heard was the establishment blues!

[–] tecmosuperbowler 9 years ago

In the book it's a juror who does the "now imagine" thing and convinces several racist jurors to find Carl Lee innocent.

I know that doesn't really excuse what the movie does here - Jake's the star of the show though, and they want MM pulling on the audience's heartstrings.

(Also, in the book, the dog dies.)

[–] Doc80 9 years ago

He said that to put the jury in Carl Lee's place. Seeing Tanya in that situation is heartbreaking but seeing a white girl makes the entire jury think of their daughter instead of some black person's daughter. He basically asked them "What would you do?" without actually saying it.