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Questions and Answers
In Chapter 7, how many pages was the opinion about McMillian's appeal?
Seventy pages.
What church was across the street from the Alabama Judicial Building?
The historic Dexter Avenue Baptist Church.
Why is Walter discouraged with Stevenson's news about his conviction and the timeline involved?
Because it could take years to get his conviction overturned.
Why is Stevenson still hopeful and optimistic?
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Where did Michael O'Connor grow up?
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Where did Michael O'Connor go to law school?
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How much was paid to Bill Hooks by Sheriff Tate?
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How long after Ronda Morrison's murder was McMillian's truck converted to a low rider?
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Where was Myers imprisoned in Chapter 7?
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How far did Stevenson and O'Connor drive to see Myers in Chapter 7?
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What did Myers want to drink when Stevenson and O'Connor spoke to him in Chapter 7?
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In Chapter 7, what was the name of the women's prison where Karen Kelly was incarcerated?
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How long was Kelly's sentence?
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Who are Mozelle and Onzelle?
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What 'pairing' of defendant and victim increased the likelihood of a death sentence?
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According to McCleskey v. Kemp, how many times more likely were offenders in Georgia likely to get the death penalty if the victim was white?
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In Chapter 7, how many years had it been since McMillian's trial?
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How many children did Walter Garnett have?
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How old was Trina Garnett when her mother died?
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How old was Trina Garnett when she was sent to an adult prison for women?
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How many years did Ian Manuel spend in solitary confinement?
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What is racial discrimination?
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What is racism?
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What relationship does racial discrimination often have to power?
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How might a case be ignored if a victim has a family member in jail?
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How are some victims more protected and valued than others?
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How are poor and minority victims 'victimized' by the justice system?
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Study Notes
Chapter 7 Highlights
- McMillian's appeal opinion spanned seventy pages, demonstrating the complexity of his case.
- The historic Dexter Avenue Baptist Church faced the Alabama Judicial Building, associated with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
- Walter's expectations were shattered when Stevenson informed him that overturning his conviction could take years, revealing systemic issues in admitting judicial errors.
- Stevenson maintained hope despite the court’s past, noting the judges' silence could indicate an openness to reconsidering his arguments.
- Michael O'Connor, an important figure in the case, hailed from a tough working-class neighborhood outside Philadelphia and attended Yale Law School.
- Bill Hooks received $5,000 from Sheriff Tate to testify against Walter, indicating potential corruption and manipulation within the justice system.
- Clay Kast's testimony confirmed that McMillian's truck was converted to a low rider six months post-murder, undermining Hooks' claims.
Imprisonment Insights
- Myers was detained at a maximum-security prison in Springville, illustrating the harsh realities of the penal system.
- Stevenson and O'Connor traveled two hours to meet Myers, reflecting the commitment to uncovering the truth.
- Myers expressed a desire for Sunkist Orange soda during the meeting, showcasing a moment of humanity amidst his imprisonment.
Karen Kelly and Vickie Pittman
- Karen Kelly served a ten-year sentence at the Tutwiler Prison for Women, highlighting issues of incarceration reverberating through the community.
- Mozelle and Onzelle, Vickie Pittman’s aunts, actively sought information about their niece’s murder, reflecting on the familial impact of violence and loss.
- Stevenson aimed to understand the Pittman case to unravel the deeper connections to Morrison's murder and highlight investigative failures.
Racial Discrimination and Sentencing
- The pairing of a black defendant with a white victim significantly increased the likelihood of receiving a death sentence.
- A landmark ruling in McCleskey v. Kemp found that offenders in Georgia were eleven times more likely to be sentenced to death if their victim was white.
- Three years had elapsed since McMillian’s trial, indicating the prolonged struggles for justice in racialized cases.
Personal Narratives
- Walter Garnett fathered twelve children, often through rape, illustrating the complexities of familial relationships within marginalized communities.
- Trina Garnett, sent to adult prison at sixteen, faced the consequences of systemic failures in youth justice.
- Ian Manuel spent eighteen years in solitary confinement, shedding light on the inhumane conditions faced by many incarcerated individuals.
Racial Discrimination Concepts
- Racial discrimination involves excluding individuals based on race, perpetuating social injustice and inequality.
- Racism consolidates individuals of a particular race into a single stereotype, ignoring individual character and promoting systemic bias.
- Authority figures often display racial bias, evidenced by prejudicial decisions made by judges and law enforcement regarding Walter McMillian’s case.
Victims and the Justice System
- Victims with criminal backgrounds or family members in jail often see their cases marginalized, exacerbating cycles of crime.
- Wealth discrepancies directly affected the value placed on victims, as seen in the contrasting investigations into Ronda Morrison and Vickie Pittman’s cases.
- Poor and minority victims experience heightened vulnerability within the justice system, facing over-policing and harsher penalties, further entrenching social inequalities.
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Description
Test your knowledge on Chapters 7 and 8 of 'Just Mercy' by Bryan Stevenson with these flashcards. The questions cover key details and themes, helping you understand the events surrounding Walter McMillian's case. Perfect for students and readers who want to deepen their comprehension of this impactful narrative.