ELA Just Mercy Unit Vocab

Vocabulary flashcards to help study for quiz on Thursday!

Exonerate

Proving somebody innocent, excusing them from any blame or fault, especially after evidence proves innocence

Mitigating circumstances

Factors that may lessen the severity of a punishment or crime, often taken into consideration during legal proceedings.

Clemency

The power to show mercy or leniency, especially by reducing punishment

Execution

The carrying out of a death sentence

Capital punishment

The legally authorized killing of someone as a punishment

Corrobrate

To confirm or support an statement, idea, or theory

Disenfranchizement

Taking away someones right to vote or fully participate in political or civil life

Advocacy

Supporting an idea or situation publicly

systemic

Something that is part of a whole system, affects the entire structure or organization

Institutionalized

Established as a normal part of society or culture

Empathy

The ability to understand and share another’s feelings

Equity

fairness or justice in treatment, opportunity or access

Restorative Justice

Focuses on repairing harm, reconciling relationships, and addressing underlying causes rather than only punishing

Humanization

Recognizing others as fully human, treating others as real people with feelings and rights

Dehumanization

Depriving someone of human qualities, treating them as less than human or ignoring their feelings, rights, and/or needs

Altruism

Selfless concern for others

Disparity

A major difference or inequality based between people or groups

Recidivism

returning to criminal behavior after release from prison or completing a sentence

Exploitation

Taking unfair advantage of someone, often for personal or financial gain.