The Laramie Project

The Laramie Project

by

Moisés Kaufman

The Laramie Project: Act 3: Jury Selection Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
During jury selection for Russell Henderson’s trial, Trish Steger describes how people came into her shop and expressed their fear that they would be selected for the jury. Trish says that, during the selection process, prosecutors asked if the jurors would be willing to give Russell the death penalty. Actors portray the potential jurors agreeing to the possibility of capital punishment.
Trish’s description of many Laramie residents’ reluctance to serve on the jury for Matthew’s case speaks to the intense communal pressures to deliver appropriate justice. The question of the death penalty returns, as jurors are selected for their willingness to give capital punishment.
Themes
Violence, Punishment, and Justice Theme Icon