just mercy - chapter 9

As Walter McMillian's trial approached, what was the author's biggest concern?

Whether Myers would follow through on recanting his previous testimony. Myers had already shown he was vulnerable to pressure from the authorities (163).

Upon arriving at the courtroom, what

differences does the author discover from the previous day?

Walter's supporters were waiting in the hall;

they had not been permitted inside the

courtroom. The atmosphere was much more

tense. The author himself encountered

resistance when he tried to enter the

courtroom, even though he was the defense lawyer.

When he did get in, he saw a metal detector

and a large police dog (174-175).

Only a few of Walter's supporters were allowed inside the courtroom.

Mrs. Williams was one

of the supporters the group chose to represent them inside the courtroom.

What is noteworthy

about her appearance and demeanor?

She is an elegant older woman with gravitas. She is well-dressed, graceful, and dignified.

She is clearly respected in the community (176).

What does the author believe is the most

powerful evidence, which he saves for last?

There were tapes of Myers being interrogated. They show that Myers was truly not

involved in Ronda's murder and had no acquaintance with Walter, but that he'd been

pressured into saying otherwise (182).

In the last part of the chapter, the author describes how he and Michael went to the beach to

relax after the trial. He describes it as beautiful but his fear of sharks tempers the beauty and

makes him anxious. How does this parallel and reinforce his reflections on the trial?

While the trial was overall hopeful, the outright antagonism, corruption, and threats cast a shadow on the positive progress (183-185).