Podcast
Questions and Answers
What percent of prison inmates in the US have a mental illness?
What percent of prison inmates in the US have a mental illness?
50
Who in this chapter suffers from brain damage after a serious car accident?
Who in this chapter suffers from brain damage after a serious car accident?
George Daniel
What happened after deinstitutionalization?
What happened after deinstitutionalization?
More mentally ill people were sent to prison.
What behavior did the doctor who examined George conclude he had?
What behavior did the doctor who examined George conclude he had?
Why was George convicted of capital murder?
Why was George convicted of capital murder?
What was the name of the doctor who examined George?
What was the name of the doctor who examined George?
What was found out about the doctor who examined George?
What was found out about the doctor who examined George?
What does Stevenson notice before entering the prison Jenkins is in?
What does Stevenson notice before entering the prison Jenkins is in?
What is unusual about Stevenson's visit to Jenkins' prison?
What is unusual about Stevenson's visit to Jenkins' prison?
What does Avery Jenkins ask Stevenson to bring?
What does Avery Jenkins ask Stevenson to bring?
How many different foster homes was Jenkins in before the age of eight?
How many different foster homes was Jenkins in before the age of eight?
What convinces the correctional officer who was initially hostile to Stevenson to change his attitude toward him?
What convinces the correctional officer who was initially hostile to Stevenson to change his attitude toward him?
Who ultimately buys what Jenkins has been wanting since Stevenson's first visit?
Who ultimately buys what Jenkins has been wanting since Stevenson's first visit?
What action of Jenkins condemned him to death row?
What action of Jenkins condemned him to death row?
According to Stevenson, what happens when attorneys and judges fail to recognize mental disabilities?
According to Stevenson, what happens when attorneys and judges fail to recognize mental disabilities?
What is the main reason George was convicted?
What is the main reason George was convicted?
What is the main evidence George's mother hoped could demonstrate his mental illness?
What is the main evidence George's mother hoped could demonstrate his mental illness?
What holiday is still celebrated in Alabama today despite its blatant racism?
What holiday is still celebrated in Alabama today despite its blatant racism?
Whose birthday was added as a holiday in Alabama during the Civil Rights Era?
Whose birthday was added as a holiday in Alabama during the Civil Rights Era?
What does the correctional officer tell Stevenson on his post-trial visit with Jenkins?
What does the correctional officer tell Stevenson on his post-trial visit with Jenkins?
What ultimately happens to Jenkins?
What ultimately happens to Jenkins?
According to Stevenson, what is unusual about his first in-person encounter with Jenkins?
According to Stevenson, what is unusual about his first in-person encounter with Jenkins?
Why does Stevenson decide to meet Jenkins in person?
Why does Stevenson decide to meet Jenkins in person?
What does the judge say that catches Stevenson off-guard?
What does the judge say that catches Stevenson off-guard?
What does Stevenson say to the correctional officer that is also emphasized throughout the book?
What does Stevenson say to the correctional officer that is also emphasized throughout the book?
Study Notes
Mental Illness in Prisons
- 50% of prison inmates in the US have a mental illness.
- Deinstitutionalization led to an increase in the number of mentally ill individuals being incarcerated.
George Daniel's Case
- George Daniel suffered brain damage from a serious car accident.
- The examining doctor, Ed Seger, wrongly diagnosed George as "malingering."
- George was convicted of capital murder for killing a police officer during a break-in.
- Seger was later exposed as a fraud with no proper medical training.
Visiting the Prison
- Before entering Jenkins' prison, Stevenson noticed a pickup truck adorned with Confederate memorabilia.
- Stevenson's visit was marked by an unusual search from a correctional officer and the requirement to sign a visitors' book.
- Jenkins requested a chocolate milkshake from Stevenson during the visit.
Jenkins' Troubled Childhood
- Avery Jenkins experienced a tumultuous childhood, living in 19 different foster homes by age eight.
- The correctional officer’s attitude towards Stevenson shifted positively after discussing Jenkins' difficult upbringing in court.
Legal Implications and Racial Context
- Jenkins was condemned to death row after stabbing a man he believed to be a demon.
- Stevenson pointed out that failures to recognize mental disabilities lead to wrongful convictions and harsher sentences.
- George's attorneys were more focused on securing financial compensation than advocating for his mental health defense.
Cultural Observations in Alabama
- Confederate Memorial Day continues to be celebrated in Alabama, showcasing cultural racism.
- Jefferson Davis' birthday was established as a holiday during the Civil Rights Era, revealing historical racial tensions.
Outcomes and Reflections
- The correctional officer remarked that everyone requires mitigation at some point in life.
- Stevenson successfully obtained a new trial for Jenkins, who was moved to a mental health facility.
- Jenkins surprisingly appeared happy to see Stevenson during their first in-person meeting, indicating trust despite previous circumstances.
- Stevenson's intent to meet Jenkins in person was driven by the incomprehensibility of his phone calls and letters.
- A judge’s odd remark about protecting the rights of Confederate Americans caught Stevenson off guard, highlighting ongoing racial issues.
- Stevenson emphasized that adverse experiences do not define a person's identity.
Studying That Suits You
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Description
Test your knowledge of Chapter 10 from 'Just Mercy' with these flashcards. This chapter discusses critical issues surrounding mental illness and the criminal justice system, highlighting specific cases and statistics. Challenge yourself to recall important facts and insights presented in the book.
