Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption

Whoa.This book has been sitting in my TBR for a long time. I chose it for a challenge, and I’m so glad I did.Even if each page broke my heart just a little bit more.Mr. Stevenson shares many stories about a lot of the people he’s helped over the past several decades. Some successfully, some not so successfully. He has worked tirelessly to get wrongfully-convicted people off of death row, to set new precedent for sentencing guidelines for juvenile offenders, to provide assistance to those coming out of the prison system, and so much more. I have to wonder when the man sleeps.I will never understand the judgment of someone based solely on the color of their skin. It makes no sense to me. This didn’t help me understand that more clearly, but did help me to see more clearly that our country still has a long way to go.One might think this is a highly political memoir, but it is not. There are a couple of remarks about changes in policies, but not commonly with a party listed. Please don’t skip this book if you’re afraid of that. You should read it, and maybe think about what you can do to change your corner of the world.

Perfect ConditionGreat Book

As someone who has never had an account that was face to face of racial injustice where I am from, this book has opened my eyes and heart; not only for those who suffer the the opposed titles that civilians across the United States and globe face on the daily. This book is amazing if seeking information on our history and what we can pursue in the future.

It's worth reading a story about doing good work.

Mr. Stevenson clearly lays out the injustices suffered by people of color. I have no doubt in my mind African Americans, especially in southern states, were and in some cases still are more prone to variety of injustices that usually translates into unfair prison sentences. But, is his rationale based solely on legal principles or based on his religious convictions? I feel it’s both and that’s where his argument loses some credibility. A secular legal system may not guarantee fairness but it’s the best thing we have to properly apply the law. Another area where I took issue was his lack of focus on the victims of the crimes allegedly committed by the individuals represented by the EJI. If a 16 yr old murdered or raped a family member of mine, I wouldn’t care if the 16 year old had a difficult life growing up or how young he/she was. The death penalty should apply in certain circumstances.Ultimately, Mr. Stevenson is well intended and has been instrumental in overturning wrongful convictions but if those good intentions are not solely driven by secular legal principles, then those intentions are open for interpretation.