Just Mercy Review

Identify the main claim in the following passage: "Bryan Stevenson argues that the justice system is biased against poor and minority defendants."

• The justice system is fair.

• The justice system is biased.

• Defendants are always guilty.

• The justice system is efficient.

Identify the piece of evidence that supports the claim: "The justice system is biased against minorities."

• "Many judges work long hours."

• "Statistics show that minorities receive harsher sentences for the same crimes as white defendants."

• "The courtrooms are often crowded."

• "Lawyers have to study for many years."

Choose the best evidence to support the following claim: "Bryan Stevenson’s efforts have led to important legal reforms."

• Bryan Stevenson attended Harvard Law School.

• Stevenson has written several books.

• His work with the Equal Justice Initiative has resulted in the release of over 100 wrongfully convicted prisoners.

• He frequently gives speeches.

Which of the following sentences is both a strong claim and provides evidence?

• Bryan Stevenson's work is well-known.

• Many people admire Bryan Stevenson.

• Bryan Stevenson's advocacy has resulted in the release of numerous wrongfully convicted individuals, proving his significant impact on the justice system.

• Stevenson wrote a book called Just Mercy.

In the Introduction, “Higher Ground,” Stevenson includes alarming statistics about poverty, racial injustice, mass incarceration, and capital punishment. What is the author’s main purpose for including this information?

• Stevenson provides the reader with factual information to show the reader how McMillian’s case illustrates a larger social problem.

• Stevenson uses this information to get the reader’s attention so that they will be interested in what he has to say.

• Stevenson hopes to appeal to all readers by demonstrating how knowledgeable he is regarding mass incarceration and extreme punishment in America.

What major theme is explored in "Just Mercy"?

• The importance of wealth

• The flaws in the American criminal justice system

• The rise of technology

• The benefits of education

In the book, who is Walter McMillian, and why is his case significant?

• A wealthy businessman; he was a major donor to the EJI

• A wrongly convicted man; his case exemplifies racial injustice in the legal system

• A law student; he helped Bryan Stevenson with research

• A judge; he worked closely with Bryan Stevenson

What is one of the main arguments Bryan Stevenson makes about the death penalty?

• It is a necessary deterrent for crime

• It is unfairly applied, particularly against poor and minority defendants

• It should be reserved for the most heinous crimes

• It is cost-effective and efficient

Which of the following best describes the setting of much of the book "Just Mercy"?

• Northern cities with high crime rates

• Small towns in the Southern United States

• International courts and tribunals

• Suburban neighborhoods

How does Bryan Stevenson view the role of empathy in the justice system?

• He believes it is irrelevant and should be excluded

• He sees it as crucial for understanding and reforming the system

• He thinks it should only apply to juvenile offenders

• He argues it weakens the severity of punishments