chapter contains summary points, discussion questions for the class and activities requiring various skills and interpretation of the text. The severity of Joe’s situation is demonstrated by the fact that another inmate takes it upon himself to contact EJI asking for them to help Joe. They're like having in-class notes for every discussion!” Teachers and parents! LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Bryan explains how he became passionate about criminal defense law and defending death row prisoners after an internship with the Southern Center for Human Rights in the Deep South. Joe’s susceptibility to internalizing the guards’ taunts demonstrates his vulnerability. By using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our The last chapter begins with a series of legal victories and a tone of hope for future progress.
He shows how past institutions and violence that are now usually condemned, like slavery and lynching, were the precursors to modern mass incarceration of people of color and the death penalty. The story of Ashley’s crime supports the book’s argument that past trauma can lead to crimes, in particular for juveniles. The judge’s speech and the courtroom’s applause create a vibrant, cinematic scene that illustrates the potential for human mercy and compassion. Instant downloads of all 1345 LitChart PDFs Struggling with distance learning? The appearance of the old woman, who is unconnected to any case but who immediately embraces and offers wisdom to Stevenson, evokes the literary archetype of the “wise old woman” as depicted by Carl Jung.
Just Mercy Chapter 16 Summary.
Stevenson’s use of the phrase “death-in-prison,” rather than “life sentence,” is significant because it calls into question the common terminology and attempts to expose what a life sentence really means in plainer terms. We don't offer teacher-created materials yet, but are actively considering supporting them on LitCharts. By detailing the diverse groups and individuals that backed EJI, Stevenson demonstrates how widespread bi-partisan made this case different from others. The example of Angola’s slavery-era history and modern forced labor highlights Stevenson’s earlier arguments regarding the connection between previous oppressive structures and the modern prison system. Struggling with distance learning? Just Mercy: Chapter 16 Summary & Analysis Next. Like the female inmates described in Chapter 12, this illustrates the empathy and concern that inmates can have for each other’s needs and situations.
His account frames hatred and the drive for white domination as constant forces that transform over time but are never obliterated. By showing this contrast, Stevenson points to the disparity between individual and collective realities.
The woman’s words about singing sad songs connect to the book’s many instances of song during hopeless situations. (including LitCharts Teacher Editions. This new information suggests that he also identifies with the suffering felt by victims and their families. Our Teachers and parents!
Teachers and parents! Through his description of Joe’s letters, Stevenson shows how much Joe values their communication. Stevenson’s biblical argument about throwing and catching stones suggests the Christian foundations for his philosophies on redemption and mercy.
In this segment, Stevenson depicts overall state and national progress toward systemic justice, as well as the individual cases where injustice persists.
-Graham S.
Stevenson’s description of Joe’s disability, past trauma, and neglect suggests that Joe’s involvement with criminal activity and with the older boys was motivated by his unstable home life, cognitive delay, and lack of direction. Access Full Document. The example of Alan Simpson is especially powerful in conveying the widespread appeal and the capacity of troubled and even violent youth to reform and become integral parts of society. Stevenson’s depiction of Carter and Caston’s advanced age and disabilities caused by prison labor help to explain why these “old-timers” were prioritized in EJI’s docket.
My students love how organized the handouts are and enjoy tracking the themes as a class.” Access Full Document. Pages: 2 Words: 397 Views: 422. Stevenson reinforces the probation officer’s view of Joe as young and impressionable, and therefore in need of guidance and support. While Joe’s imprisonment was framed as keeping a violent sex offender off the streets, the court, in fact, put a child within the grasp of violent sex offenders. Thanks for exploring this SuperSummary Study Guide of “Just Mercy” by Bryan Stevenson. In Stevenson’s account, events aren’t isolated or finite, but they are part of a continuous chain of cause and effect, progress and reactive oppression. ... 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9 Chapter 10 Chapter 11 Chapter 12 Chapter 13 Chapter 14 Chapter 15 Chapter 16 Epilogue Postscript Acknowledgements Author’s Note ... Get the entire Just Mercy LitChart as a printable PDF.