Just Mercy Practice Flashcards

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key cases, legal concepts, and biographical details from Bryan Stevenson's Just Mercy as presented in the lecture notes.

Central Claim of "Just Mercy" Introduction

The quality of mercy is strained in the American justice system.

Bryan Stevenson's Background

A black lawyer raised in a working-class Southern family.

Alabama Policies of the $1980s$

Policies that disproportionately increased incarceration rates for the Black population.

Ralph Myers

A key witness for the prosecution in Walter McMillian's case who eventually recanted his testimony.

Unexpected Event during Routine Visit

Stevenson had an encounter with SWAT officers while visiting a client's neighborhood.

Stevenson's Rhetorical Appeal

The author primarily uses Ethos when describing his personal experiences.

Walter McMillian's Initial Arrest

He was initially arrested for sodomy before being charged with murder.

Initial Trial Verdict (Walter McMillian)

Guilty with a death sentence.

Michael Lindsey Case Jury Action

The jury recommended life imprisonment for the defendant.

Herbert Richardson's Background

A Vietnam War veteran with PTSD who committed a crime involving a bomb that killed a young girl.

Atmosphere of Richardson's Execution

Somber and ritualistic.

Supreme Court Ruling of $1976$

A landmark decision that allowed states to reinstate the death penalty.

Impact of Poverty on the Justice System

It disproportionately disadvantages defendants during the legal process.

Role of Race in the Justice System

It significantly influences arrests, sentencing, and executions.

Local Community Reaction to Walter McMillian

Opinions were divided along racial lines.

Stevenson's Consistent Criticism

The application of the death penalty throughout the American justice system.

Walter McMillian's Alibi

Information revealed during a home visit showing Walter had a strong alibi for the day of the murder.

Outcome of McMillian's First Appeal

The appeal for a retrial was denied outright.

Charlie's Injustice

He was incarcerated in an adult prison as a juvenile.

Stevenson's Primary Literary Device

The use of Tone to convey the emotional impact of the cases.

Children in Adult Prisons (Risk)

An increased risk of abuse within the facility.

Ian, Trina, and Antonio

Three juveniles mentioned in the book who all faced harsh sentences in adult systems.

Mrs. Williams and the Court Environment

The court environment during Walter's retrial was described as hostile and discriminatory toward her.

Avery Jenkins Case

A case that highlights issues surrounding the incarceration of mentally ill inmates.

Avery Jenkins Case Guard

An individual who unexpectedly becomes an advocate for Jenkins.

Outcome of Walter McMillian's Retrial

He was exonerated.

$60$ Minutes Episode Impact

The broadcast brought national attention to Walter McMillian's case.

Author's Primary Purpose

To highlight injustices within the criminal justice system.

Marsha Colbey Case

Illustrates the broader challenges and issues faced by female inmates.

Storytelling Approach in "Just Mercy"

The combination of personal narratives with legal analysis.

Challenge in Addressing Wrongful Convictions

The resistance from the legal system to admit its own errors.

Joe Sullivan Case

A case that highlights the specific issues regarding juvenile sentencing.

Landmark Juvenile Sentencing Decision

The Supreme Court ruled against life imprisonment without parole for children.

Walter McMillian's Health Diagnosis

He received a diagnosis of dementia later in life.

Conclusion of Walter McMillian's Story

The narrative ends with his death and funeral.

Shifts between Anecdotes and Social Commentary

A structural choice to connect individual stories to systemic issues.

Use of Statistics and Legal Precedents

Provides logical evidence to support the author's overall claim.

 Where was Walter McMillian’s trial held?

Baldwin County

What was the significance of the "stonecatcher" metaphor?

Symbolizes catching injustices

Who sentenced Walter to death?

Judge Key

Where is the EJI based?

Montgomery

What does Stevenson say is the opposite of poverty?

Justice

What was the ACTUAL reason that Walter McMillan was targeted for arrest for murder?

He had an affair with a white woman

What key evidence proved Walter McMillian’s innocence?

He had a solid alibi and many witnesses

Who was the key witness against Walter McMillian in the initial trial?

Ralph Myers

 How did Stevenson prove Ralph Myers' testimony was false?

Myers recanted, admitted coercion

What was Herbert Richardson’s crime?

Bombing resulted in a child’s death

What Supreme Court ruling did Stevenson win for juveniles?

No life without parole for non-homicide

What effect did Walter’s wrongful conviction have on his health?

Developed trauma-induced dementia

What fuels mass incarceration?

Fear and politics

 What does Stevenson say about hope?

Hope is necessary for justice