Questions and Answers
Who presided over Walter McMillian's original trial?
What was Walter McMillian accused of?
Murdering a white woman
Who is the author of 'To Kill a Mockingbird'?
Harper Lee
What is the primary theme addressed in 'To Kill a Mockingbird'?
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Who defended Tom Robinson in 'To Kill a Mockingbird'?
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Which of the following women was murdered near the time of Ronda Morrison's murder?
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What does 'miscegenation' refer to?
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What is the meaning of 'culpability'?
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What does 'pathological' mean?
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What effect did Walter's affair with a white woman have on his trial?
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Who falsely accused Walter McMillian of murder?
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Study Notes
Key Figures and Concepts
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Robert E. Lee Key
- Judge during Walter McMillian's trial.
- Collaborated with state officials for Walter's conviction and did not intervene in the all-white jury selection.
- Discouraged Stevenson's involvement in the appeal process.
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Walter McMillian
- A successful black businessman from Monroeville, Alabama.
- Falsely accused and convicted of murdering a white woman after an extramarital affair, despite having a large, loving family.
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Harper Lee
- Renowned author of "To Kill a Mockingbird".
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To Kill a Mockingbird
- Published in 1960, it tells the story of Atticus Finch, who defends a black man against a wrongful rape accusation in the racially charged South.
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Atticus Finch
- Central character in "To Kill a Mockingbird"; father to Scout and Jem, known for his moral integrity and commitment to justice.
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Tom Robinson
- Black man wrongfully accused of raping Mayella Ewell.
- Represents the innocent victims of racial injustice and is a symbol of vulnerability in the novel.
Social Context
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Jim Crow Laws
- Legislation designed to enforce racial segregation in public facilities, leading to significant inequalities for African Americans in various aspects of life.
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Karen Kelly
- A white woman who had an affair with Walter McMillian, sparking community outrage and contributing to race-related tensions.
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Miscegenation
- Term referring to interracial relationships or offspring, highlighting societal views on race mixing.
Crime and Investigation Details
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Ronda Morrison
- Murder victim, daughter of a prominent white family in Monroeville; her death triggered the wrongful accusation against Walter.
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Ralph Myers
- The individual whose false testimony led to Walter's conviction; he suffers from psychological issues and sought attention through tall tales.
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Vickie Lynn Pittman
- Another murder victim during the same timeframe as Morrison; her death garnered less attention due to her socio-economic status.
Legal and Ethical Concepts
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Culpability
- Refers to the state of being guilty or responsible for a crime, a key theme in wrongful conviction cases.
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Pathological
- Related to diseases; used in contexts discussing psychological conditions influencing behaviors and decisions.
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Description
Test your knowledge of key terms and characters from Chapter 1 of 'Just Mercy' by Bryan Stevenson. This quiz focuses on significant figures and their influence on the narrative, particularly in the courtroom dynamics surrounding Walter McMillian's case.
