Critical Analysis: Justice and Prejudice in 'Just Mercy' Chapter One

This essay analyzes the first chapter of Bryan Stevenson's 'Just Mercy,' focusing on the case of Walter McMillian, who faces a death sentence based on prejudiced assumptions. The chapter highlights the racial bias prevalent in the justice system, particularly how McMillian's affair with a white woman and his association with a criminal led to his wrongful accusation for the murder of Ronda Morrison. The analysis emphasizes how easily society blames black individuals due to racial stereotypes, revealing the systemic injustice Stevenson aims to address throughout the book. Desklib offers similar essays and study resources for students.

Running head: JUST MERCY
Just Mercy
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1JUST MERCY
The book “Just Mercy” written by Bryan Stevenson is quite remarkable and
revolutionary. The first chapter of the book talks about a case where an individual has been
accused of dealing with drugs. This essay discusses and analyzes the first chapter of the book
“Just Mercy”.
The first chapter in “Just Mercy” has been titles “Mockingbird Players” (Stevenson
2015). The chapter discusses about a case where the incarcerated person, Walter McMillian, is
facing a death sentence. The judge assigned to the case, Robert E. Lee Key asked Stevenson not
to take the case of Walter McMillian as he is imprisoned under the accusation of being a drug
dealer. This shows the prejudice that people have against individuals of color (Lauren 2018).
Stevenson analyses the background of McMillian in order to find out more about his character.
The affair that McMillian had Karen Kelly marked his downfall. She got mixed with drugs and a
criminal by the name of Ralph Myers and ended up murdering a ‘white’ woman, Ronda
Morrison (Stevenson 2015). Meyers tried to frame McMillian and because of his ‘black’ skin,
McMillian had to bear the brunt of the murder as it was easier for everyone to believe that a
‘black’ man had murdered a ‘white’ woman (Lauren 2018).
In conclusion it is observed that Stevenson shows the readers in this chapter how easy it
is to make assumptions about a man of color and how typical it is to put all the blame on a black
skinned person simply because of the fact that he or she is ‘black’.

2JUST MERCY
References:
Lauren, P.G., 2018. Power and prejudice: The politics and diplomacy of racial discrimination.
Routledge.
Stevenson, B., 2015. Just mercy: A story of justice and redemption. Spiegel & Grau.