Have you ever been in trouble for something you didn’t do? Instead of being sent to the corner for 20 minutes, imagine being in prison for 20 years. "Just Mercy" is an eye-opening book that delves into the criminal justice system in the United States through the experiences of Bryan Stevenson, a lawyer and social justice activist. The book focuses on Stevenson's efforts to defend individuals on death row, particularly Walter McMillian, who was wrongfully convicted of murder. Stevenson exposes the pervasive issues of racial prejudice and systemic inequality within the legal system. This book had a profound impact on me. Personally, having two black siblings, I always knew that they would face inequalities in their lives. However, after reading this book, I was shocked to discover that these inequalities extend to our own justice system. Reading about Walter McMillian, just an ordinary man who was convicted and sent to prison, and almost killed on death row, made me realize the possibility that, out of the blue, my siblings could be taken to court, convicted of murder, and then sentenced to death. Obviously, that isn’t the case, but only a few years ago, that was the situation. The aftermath of reading this book has significantly altered my view of the world. I can't wrap my mind around the fact that the United States Justice System consistently exhibits prejudice against people with colored skin. This book has me contemplating how this could personally affect my life. Reflecting on how this could impact my siblings fills me with deep distress and a protective instinct for my family. It is painful to acknowledge the extent of injustice in America's court system. This book seems surreal; I cannot even begin to describe how incredibly upset it makes me. The court system is designed to justly punish those who committed a crime. However, I had never considered how the court system could wrongfully convict an innocent person. Not only convict the wrong person, but also be aware of that fact. It disgusts me, and knowing that this is happening currently leaves a pit in my stomach. It’s a horrible feeling. It's unimaginable that innocent people—not blacks or negros, but people—are convicted and killed for something they didn’t do. It's horrific to think that the same men and women who were convicted were murdered simply because of their dark skin. If that is all it takes to end up on death row, I can’t process the thought of losing my little brother or sister. That is beyond disgusting and horrible. I can’t begin to describe how furious I am about this whole situation. It’s disgraceful on a level that I can’t even imagine. -Jameson
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AuthorSTenth grade students at Decorah High School share how they're reading outside of their own experiences and how it has changed them. Categories
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November 2022
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