Just Mercy for Young Adults: Introduction and Chapter 1 Quiz

What is the main idea/argument that Bryan Stevenson presents in the Introduction, "Higher Ground"?

• Life isn't fair.

• The challenges of growing up

• Everyone deserves mercy and justice.

• True justice doesn't exist.

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Why does Bryan Stevenson decide to help people on death row?

• He was personally affected by a similar injustice.

• He believes everyone deserves a fair trial, regardless of their crime.

• He wants to challenge himself professionally.

• He is fulfilling a promise to a family member.

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What inference can be made about Stevenson's character based on his actions in Chapter 1?

• He is motivated by fame and recognition.

• He is deeply empathetic and committed to justice.

• He is uncertain about his career path.

• He is primarily interested in making money.

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How does Stevenson's first meeting with a death row prisoner (Henry) impact his view on justice?

• It makes him more cynical about the possibility of change.

• It reinforces his belief in fighting for the underrepresented.

• It scares him away from taking on challenging cases.

• It convinces him to pursue a different area of law.

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What key point does Stevenson make about the justice system in the United States?

• It has a checks and balance system that is fair to all.

• It favors those who are wealthy and guilty over those who are poor and innocent.

• It is flawless and always gets the verdict right.

• It is rigged and judges receive bribes/money to give certain verdicts.

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What motivates Stevenson to focus on helping those on death row, according to Chapter 1?

• A high salary and job security

• His grandmother's experience growing up during slavery in the South

• A personal connection to someone who was wrongfully convicted

• His ethics, a deep sense of injustice, and a belief in the potential for reform.

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Why is Walter McMillian on death row?

• He was charged with murdering Ronda Morrison.

• He had an affair with a white woman.

• He became too successful and rich.

• He killed Vickie Pittman.

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What inference can be made about the impact of Stevenson's work on the lives of those he helps?

• It has little to no impact on their legal outcomes.

• It provides them with a sense of hope and dignity.

• It makes their situations worse by raising false hopes.

• It only benefits Stevenson's career, not his clients.

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In what ways does the community of Monroeville, AL judge people unfairly?

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What does Stevenson suggest is necessary to combat injustice in the legal system?

• Stricter laws and harsher penalties for criminals

• More experienced lawyers in public defense

• A complete overhaul of the current legal system

• Empathy, understanding, and a commitment to justice

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