To find the 12th term of the sequence defined by the formula \( a(n) = -5 + 6(n - 1) \), we can substitute \( n = 12 \) into the formula.
\[ a(12) = -5 + 6(12 - 1) \]
First, calculate \( 12 - 1 \):
\[ 12 - 1 = 11 \]
Now, substitute this back into the formula:
\[ a(12) = -5 + 6 \times 11 \]
Next, compute \( 6 \times 11 \):
\[ 6 \times 11 = 66 \]
Now, substitute this value back:
\[ a(12) = -5 + 66 \]
Finally, compute \( -5 + 66 \):
\[ -5 + 66 = 61 \]
Therefore, the 12th term in the sequence is
\[ \boxed{61} \]