Just Mercy

What is the importance of the 1986 Batson v. Kentucky ruling?
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What is the importance of the 1986 Batson v. Kentucky ruling?
prosecutors could be challenged more directly about using peremptory strikes; it gave hope to black defendants.
Who were some of Walter McMillian's most important allies? What evidence was there in support ofMcMillian's innocence?
His most important allies were the police officer, his sister; Evelyn Smith, black church pastors and his friend Jimmy Hunter. He was at home frying fish and fixing his car.
Who was Herbert Duncan, and what did he experience prior to his arrest, trial, and sentencing?
Herbert Duncan was a Vietnam War veteran who suffered and experienced PTSD.
Describe the 1989 Supreme Court ruling related to death penalty appeals. What impact did that haveacross the country?
The attorney general's office began forcefully seeking executions of condemned prisoners. By the end of 1989, the number of people executed in Alabama doubled.
What does Stevenson note about the statistics of veterans in prison?
Thousands of combat veterans end up in jail or prison after completing their military service. Nearly 20 percent of the people in jails and prisons served in the military.
How is the relationship between Stevenson and Walter changing? What does the author cite as an important activity for lawyers to do when defending death row prisoners? Why?
They are becoming closer and they have a good friendship. Since Stevenson visits every other week, they talk about normal things in life and try to not talk about the case. He cites that it is important to talk about current events and not the case
Why does it annoy Stevenson that To Kill a Mockingbird is a point of pride in Monroeville?
It annoys Stevenson because it is a fictional story and he knows that will never happen in real life, because people are unfair and racist.
Why does Myers have a change of heart? What new information does he want to offer, and why doesStevenson not trust him?
he was pressured by the sheriff and the ABI and threatened with the death penalty if he didn't testify. Stevenson doesn't trust him because he has been a good liar before and doesn't know if he is lying now.
What is the State's response to Stevenson's case, and what effect does that have on everyone present?
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What does "mitigation" mean in the legal context?
Mitigation in law is the principle that a party who has suffered loss (from a tort or breach of contract) has to take reasonable action to minimize the amount of the loss suffered.