THEMES IN JUST MERCY

Through the book, he provides context by giving histories of different marginalized groups that he has cast focus. This paper seeks to explore the various themes explored in the book and how adequately they get developed. Explanation and visualization of the themes through the provision of examples is also an exclusive focus. In these themes, the author portrays the systemic racism and dehumanization that is characteristic of the American legal system. During his studies, Stevenson came to notice that the Criminal Justice System was extremely flawed. Mass incarcerations results in unfairness where people were banned from accessing food stamps, even for mothers who wanted to feed their children. Some of the convicted people had been falsely accused, as in the case of one Walter MacMillan who was wrongfully convicted on death row.

In cases of this nature, the courts would even go ahead and appoint incompetent lawyers, a deliberate betrayal of the justice that it is mandated to deliver to the citizens. During a church group meeting, Stevenson provides readers with an anecdote involving his meeting with a man who bore scars he had acquired during protests. By including personal anecdotes and examples from his cases, coupled with research, Stevenson places the theme of oppression in context with the tremendous individual suffering of different groups at the hands of the justice system. " Indeed, black men were a higher target than white men by the police force. Stevenson is himself born of a mother who was a daughter of slaves. His mother advised him the best way to understand oppressed people is getting close to them by fighting for them.

As a black man, he aims to be of help towards those disadvantaged in this racialized society. Established through the book is the truth that harsh punishments perpetuate violence rather than deter it. If we can get to know them at a personal level, we will indeed follow the correct path of justice. He even goes ahead to mention a bible story by calling his work as ‘stone catching' and providing a recount into the bible story where a mob brought an adulterous woman to Jesus. Jesus told them, "Let him who is without sin cast the first stone. " Through this, Stevenson suggests that we are all not different from the people that we have labeled to be criminals in society as we have all wronged and been wronged.