Just Mercy Chapters 5-8 Questions

Mitigation Narrative

• Mitigating factors provide context for a person's actions, influencing criminal behavior understanding.
• Examples include scenarios of self-defense, revenge, or protecting others, which can lead to reduced charges or sentencing.
• Such factors evoke sympathy from juries, potentially altering perceptions of guilt.

Accountability for Sexual Assaults

• Accountability should extend to both the rapists and officials who failed Charlie.
• Additional trials for rapists required to incorporate sexual assault charges.
• Prosecutor and judge may face consequences for negligence in placing a minor with adults, significantly risking Charlie's safety.

Jennings Family and Charlie

• The Jennings family's relationship offers Charlie support, aiding in healing from trauma faced in juvenile detention.
• Establishing connections provides Charlie with opportunities for education, such as GED completion and potential college enrollment.
• Gaining educational qualifications can lead to better job prospects and improved quality of life for Charlie.

New Evidence in Walter’s Case

• Bryan uncovers that Bill Hooks received financial incentives for his testimony, including dropped criminal charges.
• Evidence of coercion in witness identification raises doubts about the legitimacy of the testimonies against Walter.
• Confirmation that crucial modifications occurred post-murder further calls into question Walter’s guilt.

Outcome for Trina's Case

• The correctional officer who raped Trina faced dismissal but no criminal charges, deemed insufficient punishment.
• Advocacy for prosecution to the fullest extent of the law, with inclusion on the sex offenders’ registry, is necessary for accountability.
• Calls for stricter regulations to prevent the officer from future law enforcement roles highlight systemic failures in addressing sexual violence.