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."

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CCSS.RI.8.1

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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