Just Mercy Chapter 15 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

How does Walter's physical and mental condition change?

He declines very rapidly, develops dementia and weakness, and can no longer care for himself.

Why is it challenging to find a nursing home to care for Walter?

Most facilities don't accept felons, even though Walter was innocent.

How did the terrorist attacks of September 11th impact execution rates?

Execution rates increased as people became more fearful and felt that executions made them safer.

How was the Supreme Court case Baze vs. Rees relevant to the author and EJI's work?

It questioned the constitutionality of lethal injection, ruling there were no prohibitions on the procedure, leading to more executions. Signup and view all the answers

What was unusual about Jimmy Dill's murder conviction?

He wasn't originally convicted of murder; the man he shot survived but later died, leading to murder charges. Signup and view all the answers

What was Jimmy Dill's mental condition?

He had an intellectual disability, which should have prevented him from being sentenced to death. Signup and view all the answers

As he became more agitated by his impending execution, what did Jimmy Dill's stutter prompt the author to remember?

It reminded the author of making fun of a boy with a stutter, leading to a reconciliation that emphasized the importance of caring for each other. Signup and view all the answers

How does the concept of 'brokenness' renew the author's sense of purpose?

He reflects that we are all broken, affirming our shared humanity and the need to give and receive mercy. Signup and view all the answers

How does he believe embracing the concept of brokenness would help improve the penal system?

By working more to heal than punish. Signup and view all the answers

How does the encouragement from Rosa Parks relate to the author's feelings after Jimmy Dill's execution?

Rosa Parks acknowledges the exhaustion of his work and encourages him to be brave, renewing his motivation. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Walter's Decline

Walter's health deteriorates rapidly despite his youth, leading to dementia and weakness.
He becomes unable to care for himself, illustrating the toll of his circumstances.

Nursing Home Challenges

Difficulty in finding nursing homes for Walter arises from policies excluding felons, despite his innocence.

Execution Rates Post-9/11

Following the September 11 attacks, execution rates surged, reversing previous declines due to increased public fear.

Baze vs. Rees Supreme Court Case

The case addressed lethal injection's constitutionality, allowing executions to resume and increasing EJI's client load.

Jimmy Dill's Unusual Conviction

Initially not convicted of murder, Dill's charge arose after the victim's health declined post-recovery, highlighting legal injustices.

Jimmy Dill's Mental Health

Dill had an intellectual disability that should have precluded a death sentence, raising ethical concerns about his case.

Stutter and Reflection

Dill's worsening stutter prompts the author to recall a lesson from childhood about compassion, illustrating the impact of kindness and empathy.

Concept of Brokenness

The author grapples with the weight of cruelty in his work, finding renewal through recognizing shared human brokenness and the need for mercy.

Potential for Penal System Improvement

Embracing brokenness suggests a shift from punishment to healing within the penal system, promoting a more compassionate approach.

Rosa Parks' Encouragement

A meeting with Rosa Parks revitalizes the author; her encouragement during his feelings of fatigue after Dill's execution reinforces his commitment to justice.

Description

Test your understanding of Chapter 15 of 'Just Mercy' with these flashcards. Explore Walter's challenging journey through declining health and the obstacles he faces in finding care. Each card delves into the critical themes and events of this powerful narrative.