Just Mercy, by Bryan Stevenson: Initial Impressions, June 2015

[Eileen]

I'm in the process of finishing this book and, although I'm glad I did the audio version, I agree it's a book worth buying, even for the future purpose of sharing it with others. I myself would never have known, or believed, the issues that exist in the criminal justice system until I started working at my husband's criminal defense firm over 10 years ago. The issues that we encounter and the approach we take with clients is strikingly similar. There is clearly a need for skilled and compassionate attorneys determined to make this their mission and serve people in this way. We're often asked at parties, "how can you defend criminals?" This book effectively answers that question.

[Eileen]

For those who were interested in this book, I would also recommend the documentary movie "Murder in the Park" which I saw last night. Here is the plot summary:

"With his execution just 48 hours away, Anthony Porter's life was saved by a Northwestern University journalism class. Their re-investigation of the crime for which he was convicted—a double homicide in a Chicago park—led to the discovery of the real killer, Alstory Simon, whose confession exonerated Porter. If it all sounds too good to be true, it's because, as compellingly argued here, Porter actually is guilty, Simon is an innocent man and both are just pawns in a much larger plan."

[Tom, "Big Daddy"]

Eileen wrote: "For those who were interested in this book, I would also recommend the documentary movie "Murder in the Park" which I saw last night. Here is the plot summary:

"With his execution just 48 hours a..."

There is also a book about this, . From what I understand, Alstory Simon was not proven innocent. His conviction, based on a confession, was thrown out because the Northwestern Journalism School professor who was trying to get Porter released used underhanded methods to coerce a confession out of Simon. He ended up losing his job with the university over the incident.

[Eileen]

One thing I think the author does particularly well is to not only discuss the law in a specific case at a particular point in time but discuss the law in a broader context nationally and over a longer period of time. The author also effectively illustrates how the law evolves over time in response to political and societal influence, and how that in turn impacts specific cases. We often think of the law as rigid and lasting but this book illustrates the flexible and changing aspects of law.

[Eileen]

Tom wrote: "Eileen wrote: "For those who were interested in this book, I would also recommend the documentary movie "Murder in the Park" which I saw last night. Here is the plot summary:

"With his execution ..."

Yes, that's correct.

[Paula]

I don't always have the opportunity to read everything by hardback, but I'm glad to be listening while I commute to work which is an hour and a half into town. Terrific start to this book. I'm glad to have join in.

[Tom, "Big Daddy"]

"Just Mercy" Wins Carnegie Medal for Best Nonfiction

[Jane]

It deserved to win so round of applause and congratulations

[Lawyer, "Moderator Emeritus"]

Tom wrote: ""Just Mercy" Wins Carnegie Medal for Best Nonfiction"

Tom, thanks for posting this update on the latest endorsement of this fine read. Certainly it deserves this honor!