In Just Mercy, Bryan Stevenson retells powerful stories to highlight how minorities and juveniles within the criminal justice system are often unheard. Stevenson addresses Walter McMilliam’s case to prove that he was ignored by the police and others because he was an African American accused for interracial romance with a white women and murder. During the 1800’s, racial discrimination was extremely harsh onto black people which led their community to be targeted by the criminal justice system. The criminal justice system incarcerates African Americans but no other races which proves that they’re avoiding their safety and rights. He states “The ABI agents were left with plenty… that was enough evidence” (Stevenson 30-31). In other words, Stevenson argues …show more content…
According to the criminal justice system, children underage who commit a criminal act are sent to an adult prison. Children don’t have to be sentenced for 10-15 years just because of a small crime that wasn’t against the law. Stevenson states “The lawyer didn’t realize that two of the charges against Ian were punishable with sentences of life imprisonment without parole” (Stevenson 128). Stevenson believes that no one deserves to be physically abused because they can become ill or suicidal. In the 1980’s, our country was giving lots of attention to black and brown children because of their poor actions and threats towards people. Stevenson states “At most, they might have stayed in custody until age twenty-five or older, if their institutional history or juvenile detention…” (Stevenson 134). Basically, what Stevenson is addressing is the juvenile justice system should’ve heard Ian’s words instead of pleading guilty because his attorney said. If his story was different than Ian wouldn’t be in adult prison for life and wouldn’t be suicidal because of his surroundings and