Implementing racial bias training

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 134 views

The Power of Storytelling: Analyzing Bryan Stevenson's Argument in "Just Mercy"

Bryan Stevenson's memoir "Just Mercy" is a powerful exploration of the flaws in the American justice system, as seen through the lens of his work with Walter McMillian, a wrongly convicted man on death row. Through his narrative, Stevenson masterfully develops a compelling argument about the need for reform, using McMillian's experiences as a catalyst for change. In this essay, we will analyze how Stevenson relates or compares Walter McMillian's experiences to two other cases, highlighting the ways in which he develops his argument and exposes the flaws in the justice system.

Walter McMillian's story is a tragic one. A poor black man from Alabama, McMillian was wrongly accused of murdering a young white woman, and was subsequently sentenced to death. Stevenson, a young lawyer at the time, took on McMillian's case, and through his tireless efforts, was able to prove McMillian's innocence. However, the experience left a lasting impact on Stevenson, and he began to see the justice system as fundamentally flawed.

Comparing McMillian's Case to Other Cases

Stevenson relates McMillian's case to two other cases, those of Ronald Williamson and Dennis Williams, both of whom were wrongly convicted of murder. In each of these cases, Stevenson highlights the ways in which the justice system failed, often due to racial bias, inadequate representation, and a lack of due process. By comparing these cases, Stevenson is able to illustrate the systemic problems that exist within the justice system, and to argue that these problems are not isolated incidents, but rather a symptom of a larger disease.

Ronald Williamson's case is a particularly striking example of the justice system's flaws. A former minor league baseball player, Williamson was accused of murdering a young woman in Oklahoma. Despite a lack of evidence, Williamson was convicted and sentenced to death. Stevenson notes that Williamson's case was marked by a series of errors, including the mishandling of evidence and the failure of the prosecution to disclose exculpatory evidence. Through Williamson's case, Stevenson highlights the ways in which the justice system can be manipulated and distorted, often with devastating consequences.

Dennis Williams' case is another example of the justice system's failures. A young black man from Alabama, Williams was accused of murdering a white woman, and was subsequently sentenced to death. Stevenson notes that Williams' case was marked by a series of racial biases, including the use of racial profiling and the failure of the prosecution to disclose exculpatory evidence. Through Williams' case, Stevenson highlights the ways in which the justice system can be used as a tool of oppression, often with devastating consequences for communities of color.

Through the cases of McMillian, Williamson, and Williams, Stevenson highlights a number of flaws in the justice system. These include:

Racial bias: Stevenson notes that racial bias is a pervasive problem within the justice system, often leading to the wrongful conviction of people of color.
Inadequate representation: Stevenson highlights the ways in which inadequate representation can lead to the wrongful conviction of defendants, often due to a lack of resources and expertise.
Lack of due process: Stevenson notes that the justice system often fails to provide due process, including the failure to disclose exculpatory evidence and the use of coercive interrogation techniques.
Systemic errors: Stevenson highlights the ways in which systemic errors, including the mishandling of evidence and the failure of the prosecution to disclose exculpatory evidence, can lead to the wrongful conviction of defendants.

In conclusion, Bryan Stevenson's memoir "Just Mercy" is a powerful exploration of the flaws in the American justice system. Through the cases of Walter McMillian, Ronald Williamson, and Dennis Williams, Stevenson highlights the ways in which the justice system can fail, often with devastating consequences. By comparing these cases, Stevenson is able to illustrate the systemic problems that exist within the justice system, and to argue that these problems are not isolated incidents, but rather a symptom of a larger disease. As we move forward, it is essential that we address these flaws, and work towards creating a more just and equitable justice system.

Based on the analysis of Stevenson's argument, the following recommendations for reform are suggested:

Implementing racial bias training: The justice system should implement racial bias training for all personnel, including judges, prosecutors, and police officers.
Improving representation: The justice system should improve representation for defendants, including the provision of adequate resources and expertise.
Ensuring due process: The justice system should ensure due process, including the disclosure of exculpatory evidence and the prohibition of coercive interrogation techniques.
Addressing systemic errors: The justice system should address systemic errors, including the mishandling of evidence and the failure of the prosecution to disclose exculpatory evidence.

By implementing these reforms, we can work towards creating a more just and equitable justice system, one that is free from the flaws that Stevenson so powerfully exposes in "Just Mercy".
Q&A: Understanding the Flaws in the Justice System

In our previous article, we analyzed Bryan Stevenson's memoir "Just Mercy" and highlighted the ways in which the justice system can fail, often with devastating consequences. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the flaws in the justice system, and provide a deeper understanding of the issues that Stevenson so powerfully exposes.

Q: What are the most common flaws in the justice system?

A: The most common flaws in the justice system include racial bias, inadequate representation, lack of due process, and systemic errors. These flaws can lead to the wrongful conviction of defendants, and can have devastating consequences for individuals and communities.

Q: How does racial bias affect the justice system?

A: Racial bias is a pervasive problem within the justice system, often leading to the wrongful conviction of people of color. This can occur through a variety of means, including racial profiling, biased policing, and discriminatory sentencing.

Q: What is the impact of inadequate representation on the justice system?

A: Inadequate representation can lead to the wrongful conviction of defendants, often due to a lack of resources and expertise. This can occur when defendants are unable to afford adequate representation, or when their lawyers are not adequately trained or experienced.

Q: How does the lack of due process affect the justice system?

A: The lack of due process can lead to the wrongful conviction of defendants, often due to the failure to disclose exculpatory evidence or the use of coercive interrogation techniques. This can occur when prosecutors fail to disclose evidence that could exonerate a defendant, or when police use coercive tactics to extract confessions.

Q: What are systemic errors, and how do they affect the justice system?

A: Systemic errors are mistakes that occur within the justice system, often due to a lack of training, resources, or oversight. These errors can lead to the wrongful conviction of defendants, and can have devastating consequences for individuals and communities.

Q: How can we address the flaws in the justice system?

A: There are several ways to address the flaws in the justice system, including: