A Story of Justice and Redemption Essay
One of the major themes, or even the central one, is associated with inequality. At this point, it is important to note that the author focuses on the Justice system and hardships of prisoners, but he also sheds light on other aspects of the American society that are characterized by inequality. First, his clients are representatives of ethnic minorities and underprivileged populations. Stevensons first client was an African American in his early twenties. The first chapters of the book unveil one of the most significant issues many Americans have to face. The lack of lawyers makes many prisoners vulnerable. The author stresses that there were times when people in the that prisoners would be executed without any meaningful involvement of lawyers. Ethnic minorities have a few opportunities to hire a lawyer, which often results in severe sentences.
As has been mentioned above, the author provides real-life stories, which makes the book quite personal. This feature is one of its major strengths, but it is also a weakness. On the one hand, real people and their stories may readers feel that they are witnessing the main characters hardships. This emotional load can facilitate the discussion of the most burning issues in the system. On the other hand, it makes the book less impartial, which is often associated with a certain bias. For instance, Stevenson reveals some details of his background and stresses that his clients are just like people who lived in his community. The author notes that he has also witnessed inequality as he lived in a segregated community. These parallels make readers understand that underprivileged groups are prone to the excessive strictness of the system where opinions of the majority prevail.
At the same time, it is clear that the author has a particular view on the matter that is deeply rooted in his past. Stevenson has seen injustice in many spheres of his life and the life of other people. These experiences could make him more focused on protecting his clients and advocating for people like them. The author does not state that his clients and many incarcerated people are sinless, but he still seems to pay no attention to other sides of his clients characters. Stevenson managed to prove that some of his clients were innocent, but others were still guilty of committing certain crimes. It is important to reveal this aspect as well. To understand the gaps in the system, it is crucial to consider all factors and issues. The system is not perfect, and many innocent people suffer. However, it is not only about saving people from the death penalty. To improve the system, it is necessary to make sure that incarcerated people serve adequate terms or . The focus on the brighter side of delinquents can jeopardize the development of the Justice system as well as the development of the entire American society.
The other theme to be discussed is related to the controversy of the life sentence for crimes committed in adolescents. Delinquent crime is one of the most discusses topics in the US society that claims to focus on the wellbeing of and opportunities for young generations. Stevenson emphasizes that adolescents are not allowed to vote or drink alcohol, but they are fully responsible for their actions. The authors points are strong and appealing. The author contributes to the lasting debate stating that adolescents should not be punished as harshly as they are now. The author shows that many of the convicted find themselves under circumstances that make them violent and ready to break laws. Many adolescents of color have fewer opportunities as compared to other groups, which makes them see crime as a possible (and sometimes the only) way out. This theme can also help in improving the US Justice system. Punishment should be adequate. Stevenson also stresses that delinquent crime is also associated with a considerable agreement of bias as minority groups are often victims of the system.
One of the advantages of the book is also associated with the use of allusions to famous cases. For example, between the case of his client, Walter McMillian, and the in the bookTo Kill the Mocking Bird. McMillian was accused of the murder of a white woman, which made him seem guilty without even a detailed investigation. Such cases are not rare in the United States, and Stevenson makes them vivid by telling his true story. The parallels given make readers understand that the segregation of the society is still present in this or that form, which makes the issue more personal and urgent. The author stresses that American society is still characterized by the vices of the beginning of the 20thcentury even at the beginning of the 21stcentury.
Another strength of the book is its perspective. It is quite common for activists, former prisoners, and journalists to be the major advocates of the changes in the system. However, every lawyers opinion and input are valuable. Stevenson is not the only lawyer who draws the publics attention to the issues in the Justice System and the vulnerability of certain groups. However, his potent voice contributes significantly to the debate and make many people more active. He does not on some personal circumstances or vices of society. The author manages to reveal particular weaknesses within the system. A lawyers perspective can help address the major gaps to make the system more effective.
