Issues of the Criminal Justice System

wJust Mercy - Issues of the Criminal Justice System First and Last Name Davin Shayesteh Class School Year 2025-26 Fales Period 1 Directions: Complete this chart as you read the even chapters of Just Mercy. ●​ Look in the last column for the person who Bryan discusses in this chapter. ●​ Determine what issue (problem) about the criminal justice system that Bryan is highlighting with this person’s story. Type the issue in the middle column. ○​ An example from chapter 2 has been done for you. ○​ Some people highlight more than one issue; if their name is listed multiple times, list the issues separately. Academic Integrity Reminder: All responses must be your original words and ideas, based on your own understanding of the material. Students may not borrow words or ideas from any source such as the internet, other students, or generative AI. See the Course Info Sheet in Canvas for additional details and consequences. Chapter 2 4 6 Stand The Old Rugged Cross Surely Doomed Issue(s) of the criminal justice system that this chapter explores Person Bryan discusses to illustrate the issue Lourida Ruffin is a poor single mother, her children aren't properly supervised as she has work and struggles financially, instead of being helped out with social services, the system punishes her with a criminal charge. Lourida Ruffin The police officer received a lot more understanding and other people and officers assumed the officer had good intentions and deserves sympathy Himself/Police officers Indifference from police leadership about the abuse of police authority Himself/Atlanta Police Department Michael Lindsay is brought up in chapter 4 to show how the criminal justice system often fails people with mental illness. Michael Lindsey Horace Dunkins is brought up to chapter 4 to show how the criminal justice system often fails people with disabilities (intellectual) Horace Dunkins Herbert suffers from PTSD/Trauma from the war and the court doesn’t even think about that at all. Herbert Richardson Herbert's lawyers didn't even show up to court to defend him. Herbert Richardson Charlie was failed by the system due to his mental health issues. Charlie Charlie needed treatment and help but instead he Charlie was punished and they failed to give the help he was in need for 7 Justice Denied In payne v tennessee it shows the problem of emotional and unequal influence in death penalty sentencing which happens because of letting victims impact statements. Payne v. Tennessee 8 All God’s Children Trina Garnett case shows the problem with Trina Garnett juveniles being sentenced to life/death similarly to adults. The system charges without considering age, trauma, or potential of changing. Trina Garnett All these children were given extremely harsh sentences (adult like sentences) Trina Garnett, Ian Manuel, and Antonia Nuñez Their age, trauma, or potential to change was not considered whatsoever Trina Garnett, Ian Manuel, and Antonia Nuñez He was charged life while being a juvenile Ian Manuel George Stinney’s case shows a problem of racial bias, and unfair trials. George Stinney 10 Mitigation The court ignored mental illness and personal background when deciding the punishment George Daniel and Avery Jenkins 12 Mother, Mother convictions caused by bias and poor investigations. Marsha Colbey 14 Cruel and Unusual The supreme court rules in favor of a life imprisonment Joe Sullivan He was sentenced as an adult while being a juvenile Joe Sullivan The court didn’t think about age, background, or potential to change Joe Sullivan He was not given parole even tho he’s a minor Joe Sullivan 16 The Stonecatcher’s Song of Sorrow For this chapter, identify THREE different positive developments in the criminal justice system. Chapter 13: compensation for wrongfully convicted prisoners “Alabama was not among the handful of states that provided aid to innocent people released from prison” (Stevenson` 246)