Just Mercy

1. General Impressions

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

• How did alternating chapters between McMillian’s case and other individual cases impact the structure and flow of the book? Did you find this approach effective in conveying the broader patterns of injustice Stevenson aims to highlight? 
• Stevenson is deeply empathetic toward his clients, especially those who committed serious crimes due to trauma, mental illness, or systemic failures. How did this empathy influence your own understanding of mercy and justice? 
• Throughout Just Mercy, Stevenson points out that America’s criminal justice system is fundamentally broken. Were there specific insights or moments that drove home this point for you? Did these insights change the way you think about justice?

2. Personal Reflection and Connection 

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

• Stevenson discusses institutionalized racism and the biases within the criminal justice system. Where do you see racial biases at play in society? How does this affect your view of justice and fairness?
• The concept of mercy is central to Stevenson’s philosophy. He says, “Each of us is more than the worst thing we’ve ever done” (17). How does this resonate with your own beliefs about forgiveness and redemption? Do you think society could better balance punishment and mercy?
• Many of Stevenson’s clients are children or young adults who faced harsh adult punishments. What are your thoughts on how the criminal justice system treats young offenders? Do you believe there is value in focusing more on rehabilitation than punishment in such cases? 
• Stevenson’s clients often rely on faith, especially as expressed through hymns, as a source of comfort. Where do you turn for solace in difficult times, and why? 
• How (if at all) does Walter McMillian’s wrongful conviction and time on death row influence your perspective on the death penalty? Do you feel that capital punishment has a place in the justice system? 

3. Societal and Cultural Context

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

• Stevenson argues that “the opposite of poverty is not wealth […] it is justice” (17). What do you think he means by this, especially in the context of the criminal justice system? How does this perspective challenge or expand your understanding of social justice, and what steps do you think society could take to better align with this vision?
• The people Stevenson defends often come from backgrounds of poverty, trauma, or mental illness. What does Just Mercy suggest about the root causes of these societal ills? What solutions does it offer? 
• Stevenson discusses the “War on Drugs” and “Tough on Crime” policies that have disproportionately impacted marginalized communities. How do these historical policies continue to shape the experiences of vulnerable groups today? What changes do you think are needed to address these ongoing disparities? 

4. Literary Analysis

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

• Discuss the development of Walter McMillian as a central figure in the book. How does Stevenson build Walter’s character through the narrative, and what makes his story both unique and representative of wider issues within the justice system?
• Explore Stevenson’s use of symbols, such as the police dog in Chapter 9, as a representation of historical and ongoing racial intimidation. How do these symbols deepen your understanding of the systemic racism described in the book?
• Stevenson considers themes of Justice and Mercy as he explores the failures of the criminal justice system. How does his approach to these themes encourage readers to consider their own beliefs about punishment and forgiveness? 
• Discuss the impact of Stevenson’s personal reflections and experiences, such as being racially profiled. How do these moments of vulnerability influence the narrative’s tone and reinforce the book’s message? 
• How does Stevenson use the setting of Alabama, particularly Monroeville, to convey deeper ironies and establish historical resonances with To Kill a Mockingbird? In what ways does this setting add layers and meaning to the story’s exploration of justice and hypocrisy?

5. Creative Engagement 

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

• Picture a world where justice is truly fair and the system prioritizes mercy and rehabilitation. How might the lives of characters like Walter, Herbert, or Charlie have changed in such a system? Imagine one character’s life in this alternate world, and discuss what reforms could make this vision a reality. 
• Stevenson often reflects on the role of mercy in the justice system. If you were to create a short public service announcement or campaign inspired by Just Mercy, what key message would you want to convey, and what would your call to action be? Describe your campaign’s main points and visual style. 

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