Just Mercy Chapter 1 Quiz

Questions and Answers

In what states is Stevenson a member of the bar?

Alabama and Georgia

What does Judge Robert E. Lee Key communicate with Stevenson in a phone conversation?

He tries to get him to drop Walter McMillan's case.

Why is Monroe County, home of Walter McMillan, ironically famous?

It was the setting of To Kill a Mockingbird and the cases are very similar in terms of racial bias.

What is the most likely reason that Walter McMillan was accused of the murder of Rhonda Morrison?

He already had a bad reputation from an affair with a white woman (Karen Kelly). Signup and view all the answers

How does the murder of Vickie Lynn Pitman somehow connect to Walter McMillan?

Ralph Myers, who was actually involved in the Pitman murder and was in a relationship with Karen Kelly (Walter's mistress), accused McMillan of murdering Pitman because he was an easy target. Signup and view all the answers

How were human rights abused during the Attica prison riots of the 1970s?

They used cruel and dangerous physical punishments that violate the 8th Amendment. Signup and view all the answers

What is Plessy v. Ferguson?

A 1896 Supreme Court decision which legalized state ordered segregation so long as the facilities for blacks and whites were equal. Signup and view all the answers

What is Loving v. Virginia?

A landmark civil rights decision in which the Supreme Court ruled that laws banning interracial marriage violate the Equal Protection and Due Process Clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Stevenson name the chapter 'Mockingbird Players'?

Monroe County prides itself on being the birthplace for To Kill a Mockingbird and even names the town's theater troupe 'The Mockingbird Players', yet they convicted the wrong man of a crime just because of his race. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Details from Chapter 1 - Mockingbird Players

Stevenson is licensed to practice law in Alabama and Georgia, allowing him to represent clients in these states.
In a phone call, Judge Robert E. Lee Key attempts to persuade Stevenson to abandon Walter McMillan's case, indicating pressure from the judicial system.
Monroe County, where Walter McMillan resides, is ironically noted for its connection to "To Kill a Mockingbird," highlighting themes of racial injustice similarly reflected in McMillan's case.
Walter McMillan faced accusations of murdering Rhonda Morrison partly due to his negative reputation following an affair with a white woman, Karen Kelly, underscoring racial prejudices.
Ralph Myers, who had a direct role in the unrelated murder of Vickie Lynn Pitman, falsely implicated McMillan in a bid to divert blame, exploiting McMillan's vulnerable position in society.
Historical context provided about the Attica prison riots in the 1970s reveals significant human rights abuses, including the use of cruel punishments that violate the Eighth Amendment's prohibition on cruel and unusual punishment.
Plessy v. Ferguson established in 1896 that state-sponsored segregation was legal as long as facilities were deemed equal, cementing racial divisions.
Loving v. Virginia was a pivotal Supreme Court ruling declaring that laws against interracial marriage violated the Equal Protection and Due Process Clauses, representing a step forward in civil rights.
The chapter title "Mockingbird Players" reflects the community’s pride in its cultural heritage while confronting the grave injustice of wrongfully convicting an innocent man based on racial discrimination.

Description

Test your understanding of key themes and events from Chapter 1 of 'Just Mercy' by Bryan Stevenson. This chapter explores issues of racial injustice and the wrongful accusation of Walter McMillan in the context of the legal system. Dive into the details surrounding the characters and historical context presented.