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A review by annapox
Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan Stevenson
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
First, my one complaint: Some of the language regarding intellectual disability is outdated; there are several instances of the R-word, which stopped being a diagnosis in 2010. Using it when quoting people makes sense, but otherwise it should be avoided.
The rest of the book is excellent. It gives the reader a good look at the systemic injustice in the US criminal justice system. The stories Stevenson tells will upset you, but they're important to read anyway. Between the accounts of specific clients' legal battles, Stevenson describes the cultural and political shifts that have been the catalysts for problems like life sentences for children and the return of the death penalty. Overall, it's a very good introduction to the topic of systemic racism, classism, and ableism in the criminal justice system.
The rest of the book is excellent. It gives the reader a good look at the systemic injustice in the US criminal justice system. The stories Stevenson tells will upset you, but they're important to read anyway. Between the accounts of specific clients' legal battles, Stevenson describes the cultural and political shifts that have been the catalysts for problems like life sentences for children and the return of the death penalty. Overall, it's a very good introduction to the topic of systemic racism, classism, and ableism in the criminal justice system.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Racial slurs, Racism, Grief, and Murder
Moderate: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Miscarriage, Physical abuse, and Rape
Minor: Ableism and Pregnancy