Just Mercy

Life Sentence with Parole

A sentence where a person may be released before serving their entire sentence if they are granted parole.

Life Without Parole

A sentence requiring a person to remain in prison for life without the possibility of being released on parole.

Juvenile Life Without Parole

A life-without-parole sentence given to someone who committed a crime as a juvenile.

Trina Garnett

A young girl who grew up in poverty and an abusive, neglectful household and was sentenced to life without parole.

Trina’s Family and Environment

Trina experienced poverty, abuse, neglect, illness, and signs of disabilities that affected her childhood.

Ian Manuel

A young boy who was imprisoned after shooting a girl during an attempted robbery and received life without parole.

Ian’s Background

Ian grew up without good parental supervision and was influenced by older kids and crime.

Solitary Confinement

Keeping a prisoner separated from other prisoners, often in a cell alone.

Antonio Nuñez

A teenager who grew up in an area affected by gang violence and was charged with aggravated kidnapping and attempted murder of police officers.

Antonio’s Environment

Gang violence and his surroundings influenced his choices and involvement in crime.

George Stinney

A young Black boy who was convicted and executed for a crime despite serious problems with his trial.

George Stinney’s Trial

His trial was extremely short and unfair, with no defense witnesses and interrogation without his parents or an attorney.

Unfair Trial

A trial where a person does not receive proper legal protections or a fair opportunity to defend themselves.

Justice System

The courts, police, lawyers, and other institutions responsible for enforcing laws and deciding criminal cases.

Equal Treatment Under the Justice System

The idea that everyone should receive the same legal rights and fair treatment regardless of their background.

Background and Sentencing

A person's childhood, family, environment, and circumstances can affect their choices and should be considered when understanding their situation.

Justice System and Juveniles

The stories show how young people's age, backgrounds, and circumstances can be important when deciding how they should be treated and sentenced.