Questions and Answers
How does Stevenson get close to the incarcerated people he is helping?
Stevenson engages directly with the incarcerated individuals, building relationships and understanding their experiences by listening to their stories and advocating for their rights.
What toll does 'getting close' take on Stevenson?
It often leads to emotional and psychological burdens, causing stress and anguish as he confronts the systemic injustices faced by the incarcerated individuals.
How does getting close to Walter McMillian affect Stevenson's life?
It profoundly impacts Stevenson's perspective on justice, leading him to confront racial inequalities and pushing him to become more dedicated to fighting for change.
How does 'getting close' relate to Catholic values?
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What does Stevenson mean by 'the opposite of poverty is justice'?
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What examples in the book inform Stevenson's position on poverty and its relationship to justice?
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How did Stevenson's background prepare him for law school?
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What famous novel was written in Monroe County, AL, and how is it relevant to Just Mercy?
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In what ways did the Alabama government contribute to the economic difficulties of the state's African American population?
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Describe Stevenson's own interaction with the police in Atlanta and how that affects him personally and professionally.
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What other issues within the law enforcement infrastructure and society do the three episodes with the police reveal?
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Be able to detail what happened to Walter McMillian that landed him on death row before his conviction.
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What is the importance of the 1986 Batson v. Kentucky ruling?
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Why was the trial moved?
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Who were some of Walter McMillian's most important allies and what evidence was there in support of McMillian's innocence?
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In your opinion, who or what is to blame for Walter's conviction?
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Why does Stevenson spend so long telling McMillian's story and what effect does it have on him?
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Describe the 1982 Supreme Court ruling related to death penalty appeals and its impact across the country.
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Why is Alabama's capital statute requiring intentional murder relevant in Duncan's case?
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Duncan Richardson was a U.S. war veteran who suffered mental trauma. How should that be factored into his defense?
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What does Stevenson report about the lives of the prison staff and how they treated Duncan Richardson?
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What does Stevenson note about the statistics of veterans in prison?
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What is the origin of the chapter's name 'Of the Coming of John'?
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How is the relationship between Stevenson and Walter changing?
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Why does it annoy Stevenson that To Kill a Mockingbird is a source of pride in Monroeville?
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How would you characterize Stevenson's mood at the end of this chapter?
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Why is Charlie in jail in the first place?
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In what ways has the system failed to protect Charlie, both before and after his incarceration?
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What special circumstances of the murder victim lead to greater struggles for Charlie?
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What evidence do Stevenson and O'Connor discover as they prepare the appeal?
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Why does Myers have a change of heart?
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How does the race of the victim come into decisions about sentencing?
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What are the backgrounds, cases, and sentences for Trina, Ian, and Antonio?
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Once sentenced to life as minors, how do the three endure abuse within the prison system?
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What happened with Avery Jenkins and how was his mental illness treated?
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What does Stevenson say about the treatment of those with physical versus mental disabilities?
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Who is Dorothea Dix and why is she important to this chapter?
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What does 'mitigation' mean in the legal context?
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What role does the 60 Minutes episode on Walter play in the reinvestigation of his case?
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What one thing do people in difficult situations need, according to Vaclav Havel?
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Did Walter finally achieve justice?
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Who was the most guilty of wrongdoing in Martha's case?
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Do you think the verdict would have been different if the accused was the father of the infant?
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In what ways are female inmates more at risk than male inmates?
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Why are the rates for imprisonment of men different from imprisonment of women?
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Why does Stevenson want to encourage news stories about Walter being released?
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Should wrongfully imprisoned people receive financial restitution from the state?
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Who is Joe Sullivan, and what happened to him?
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What does Stevenson intend to use the Eighth Amendment for in defending Joe Sullivan?
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How many other countries in the world sentence minors to life in prison?
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What two subsets of children serving life sentences does Stevenson focus on?
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What does Stevenson say makes mercy just and powerful?
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Discuss the ways in which the system failed Jimmy Dill.
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What happens to Walter and how is he judged at the nursing facility?
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To whom does the title 'Broken' refer?
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What effect did the events of September 11 have on the fight to appeal the death penalty?
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What is the meaning of stonecatcher?
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What are the four institutions in American history that have shaped our approach to race and justice?
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Study Notes
Stevenson's Background and Law School Preparation
- Stevenson came from a wealthy white family, which provided him opportunities for legal education.
Relevance of "To Kill a Mockingbird"
- "To Kill a Mockingbird," written in Monroe County, AL, parallels "Just Mercy" in depicting a white lawyer defending an innocent black man.
Economic Hardships for African Americans in Alabama
- The Alabama government supported white landowners transitioning to timber farming, resulting in job losses and increased poverty for African Americans.
Stevenson's Personal Experiences with Law Enforcement
- Confused by police interaction in Atlanta, Stevenson felt misunderstood when neighbors suspected him of being a burglar, prompting him to seek accountability from the police department.
Law Enforcement Issues Highlighted
- Episodes with police reveal distrust in law enforcement and a lack of strong community relations, contributing to a general sense of insecurity in society.
Walter McMillian's Arrest and Death Row Situation
- McMillian was wrongfully arrested based on coerced allegations from Ralph Myers, leading to his conviction on sodomy charges despite having no intent to harm.
Significance of Batson v. Kentucky
- The 1986 ruling allowed challenges against prosecutors for discriminatory jury selection practices, fostering hope for black defendants.
Venue Change in McMillian's Trial
- McMillian's trial moved to Baldwin County, with a predominantly white population, raising concerns about jury bias.
Key Allies of Walter McMillian
- Important allies included police officer, his sister Evelyn Smith, black church pastors, and friend Jimmy Hunter who provided alibi evidence.
Responsibility for McMillian's Conviction
- Multiple parties contributed, including Ralph Myers, Officer Tate, and a biased judge who altered the trial venue to favor a white jury.
Importance of Detailing McMillian's Case
- Stevenson's extensive narration of McMillian's case emphasizes the fight against wrongful conviction and highlights the personal stakes involved.
Supreme Court Ruling on Death Penalty Appeals
- In 1982, rulings shifted to aggressively pursue executions, doubling the number of executions in Alabama by the end of the decade.
Relevance of Intent in Murder Charges
- Alabama law requires intent for death penalty eligibility; relevant in Herbert's case where he lacked intent in a tragic death.
Duncan Richardson's Mental Health Issues
- Richardson's war-related trauma was not considered in his defense due to his attorney's negligence during the trial.
Treatment of Prison Staff towards Duncan Richardson
- Prison staff focused on procedure rather than compassion, with their demeanor changing significantly on execution day.
Statistics on Veterans in Prison
- Nearly 20% of incarcerated individuals have military backgrounds, highlighting a concerning trend of veterans ending up behind bars.
Origin of Chapter Title
- "Of the Coming of John" is derived from a notable W.E.B. Du Bois short story, contextualizing themes of race and justice.
Changing Relationship Between Stevenson and McMillian
- A bond develops through consistent visits, creating normalcy amidst the weight of legal battles, showcasing the importance of human connection.
Critique of Monroeville's Pride in "To Kill a Mockingbird"
- Stevenson expresses frustration that a fictional narrative is lauded while real-life injustices persist, underscoring societal hypocrisy.
Stevenson's Emotional State at Chapter's End
- Stevenson experiences anger and fear regarding McMillian's future, compounded by frustrations with the legal system.
Charlie's Incarceration Circumstances
- Charlie killed his mother's abuser in self-defense, revealing a tragic context to his legal troubles at a young age.
Systematic Failures Impacting Charlie
- Charlie was treated as an adult, facing severe consequences reflective of a flawed justice system lacking in protective measures for children.
Struggles for Charlie Post-Incarceration
- The police officer's status as a victim complicates Charlie's case, reflecting systemic bias against juvenile offenders.
Evidence Discovered During McMillian's Appeal
- Key discoveries included bribery of eyewitnesses, false testimonies, and corroboration of McMillian's alibi, bolstering claims of his innocence.
Ralph Myers' Change of Heart
- Myers recanted under pressure, revealing his prior false testimony was coerced; Stevenson's skepticism of his honesty reflects the frailty of trust in such cases.
Racial Disparities in Sentencing
- McCleskey v. Kemp illustrates how victim race influences death penalty sentences, with white victims more frequently resulting in harsher penalties.
Background of Trina, Ian, and Antonio
- These individuals' upbringing in abusive and impoverished environments led to their troubled paths, culminating in severe sentences.
Challenges Faced by Minors in Prison
- Young inmates are at high risk of exploitation and abuse, highlighting systemic failures in protecting vulnerable populations.
Avery Jenkins and Mental Health Evidence
- During his trial, evidence of Jenkins' mental illness was initially dismissed; Stevenson's advocacy later highlighted the need for proper treatment.
Treatment of Physical vs. Mental Disabilities
- Society often overlooks the needs of those with mental disabilities, leading to inadequate support and lack of respect within the legal system.
Dorothea Dix’s Advocacy
- Dix campaigned for the rights and treatment of the mentally ill, emphasizing the need for societal compassion and reform.
Definition of Mitigation in Legal Context
- Mitigation aims to reduce the severity of consequences for wrongdoings, urging fairness in addressing the circumstances of a case.
Impact of 60 Minutes Episode on Walter’s Case
- Media attention prompted a reassessment of McMillian's trial, leading to a reinvestigation by the Alabama Bureau of Investigation.
Role of Hope in Rehabilitation
- Vaclav Havel emphasized the necessity of hope in difficult times; this concept helped Walter’s family sustain their spirits amidst adversity.
Walter's Journey to Justice
- While McMillian gained freedom, the scars of his wrongful imprisonment remained, highlighting enduring injustices.
Martha's Case and Responsibility
- The medical examiner’s false declaration of live birth played a crucial role in the miscarried justice of Martha’s case.
Hypothetical Different Verdicts
- A more sympathetic perception of Marsha’s circumstances, had she been wealthy or if the father were accused, likely would have altered the case's outcome.
Risks Faced by Female Inmates
- Female inmates are more susceptible to sexual abuse from guards, raising concerns about gendered violence in the prison system.
Discrepancies in Imprisonment Rates
- The dramatic rise in female incarceration is linked to socio-economic issues, with many women being impoverished.
Stevenson's Advocacy for Walter’s Release
- He promotes media recognition of Walter's innocence to highlight the failings of the justice system.
Financial Restitution for Wrongfully Imprisoned
- Wrongfully convicted individuals should receive compensation for their wrongful incarceration; restitution amounts should reflect the severity of the injustice.
Joe Sullivan's Case
- Joe, a 13-year-old wrongly convicted of a crime he did not commit, faced life imprisonment while also dealing with significant social and legal biases.
Disturbing Observations at a Ceremony
- Stevenson reacts sensitively to seeing individuals broken by the legal system, highlighting the emotional toll of his work.
Eighth Amendment Applications
- The Eighth Amendment prohibits cruel and unusual punishment, which Stevenson intends to leverage in defending Joe Sullivan’s case.
Global Context of Juvenile Sentencing
- The U.S. is the sole country allowing life sentences for minors, raising ethical concerns regarding juvenile justice.
Social Issues Among Subsets of Minors Serving Life Sentences
- Stevenson focuses on poor black and white youth, revealing systemic inequities reinforcing cycles of poverty and punishment.
Definition of Empowering Mercy
- Stevenson views mercy as transformative when extended to those deemed undeserving, emphasizing the importance of compassion.
Systemic Failures in Jimmy Dill's Case
- Dill, who faced execution despite intellectual disabilities, exemplifies injustices suffered due to inadequate legal representation.
Walter's Post-Release Struggles
- After his release, McMillian battles with health issues and societal judgment, further complicating his reintegration into society.
"Broken" as a Metaphor
- The title refers to Walter's deteriorating mental and physical state post-incarceration, symbolizing lost potential and societal failures.
Effects of September 11 on Death Penalty Appeals
- The events heightened scrutiny and increased challenges in contesting death penalty cases amid national security concerns.
Concept of a Stonecatcher
- A stonecatcher exemplifies empathy and support; Stevenson identifies himself and figures like Christ as embodying this role.
Institutions Shaping Race and Justice
- Key historical influences include slavery, racial terrorism, Jim Crow laws, and mass incarceration, reflecting ongoing systemic issues.
Proposed EJI Re-entry Program
- Programs should cater to individual needs post-incarceration, adjusting to the varying circumstances of different age groups.
Commonality of Wrongful Convictions in Children
- Juvenile legal systems often fail to protect young offenders, leading to frequent instances of wrongful convictions and inadequate representation.
Reflective Quote on Capital Punishment
- The quote prompts ethical questions surrounding the justification of the death penalty and society's stance on justice and mercy.
Stevenson's Relationship with the Incarcerated
- Personal connections with incarcerated individuals deepen Stevenson's understanding of their struggles while imposing emotional burdens on him.
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Description
This set of flashcards covers key concepts and themes from the book 'Just Mercy' by Bryan Stevenson. It explores Stevenson's background, the relevance of 'To Kill a Mockingbird', and more. Perfect for anyone studying the book or preparing for discussions and exams.