Vocabulary with Bryan Stevenson's Just Mercy

Justice

fair treatment and impartial behavior based on the law, rights, and ethical standards, ensuring that individuals receive what they are due in both punishment and protection of rights

Exonerate

to officially absolve someone from blame or responsibility, especially after being proven innocent of a crime they were convicted of

Disparity

a significant difference or inequality, often referring to unequal treatment or access to resources across different social or demographic groups

Empathy

the ability to understand and share the feelings of another, seeing from their perspective and recognizing their emotions

Capitalism

an economic sustem in which trade, industries, and the means of production are largely or entirely owned and operated for profit

Capital punishment

the legally authorized execution of an individual as a punishment for a crime, commonly referred to as the death penalty

Death row

a section of a prison that houses inmates awaiting execution following a death sentence

Systemic

referring to something that is ingrained or embedded within an entire system, often describing widespread and institutionalized practices or structures

Oppression

prolonged unjust treatment or control over a group or individual by those in power, often based on race, gender, class, or other societal divisions

Advocate

a person who publicly supports or argues for a cause, policy, or individual; also, the act of speaking up on behalf of others to promote change or justice

Moral

relating to principles of right and wrong behavior, often based on societal or personal values regarding what is good or ethical

Resilience

the ability to withstand or recover quickly from difficulties, setbacks, or adversity

Corruption

dishonest or unethical conduct by those in power, often involving bribery, fraud, or abuse of authority for personal gain

Marginalize

to treat a person or group as insignificant or peripheral, often leading to exclusion from mainstream social, economic, or political participation

Perjury

lying under oath

Prejudice

preconceived opinion or bias, often based on stereotypes, that can lead to unfair treatment of individuals or groups without adequate knowledge or reason

Mercy

compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm, often as an alternative to strict punishment

Rehabilitation

the process of helping someone return to a healthy or productive life, often through education, therapy, or skill-building, particularly after wrongdoing or imprisonment

Unconstitutional

not in accordance with a nation's constitution or fundamental legal framework, rendering laws, actions, or policies invalid

Mitigation

efforts or measures taken to reduce the severity, seriousness, or harmful impact of an action, often used in legal contexts to lessen punishment based on circumstances