Contradictions In Just Mercy

In an excerpt from his book, Just Mercy, Bryan Steveson - renowned civil rights lawyer - utilizes contradictions and characterization to demonstrate to uneducated readers the racism and failure of the justice system in order to motivate them to fight to dismantle the corrupt system.

Throughout the description of Walter’s illegal placement on death row - death row lawyer Byran Steveson - details the contradictory actions of the sheriff and the other inmates to reveal to the American readers the failings of the justice system. After discussing Walter's despair created by his imprisonment, Bryan recounts the arrest of Walter. Bryan narrates Walter’s complete confusion during his arrest due to the, “racist taunts and threats from uniformed police

For many white readers, this will be the first time they truly grasp how horribly police treat black people, threatening to commit crimes they themselves are supposed to stop. Furthermore after Walter is placed on death row, many of the other inmates attempt to give him advice. The inmates recognized that Walter was not legally on death row and encouraged him to file motions to get him placed in a holding prison. Despite being given advice by murderers Walter felt as though, “they were the only ones trying to help me”(57). Prior to this many of the readers likely believed the justice system would prevail and never let an innocent man be sentenced to die. The contradiction of literal murders, people who are viewed as entirely evil, are the only ones helping an innocent man would shock the readers. Adding to the shock would be the previous revelation that the police are actively threatening Walter. The recently established fact that the police were racist towards Walter and the new idea that convicted murderers are the only ones trying to get an innocent

After Walter’s lawyers were unable to prevent his transfer to Holman, he had to be driven back to death row with Sheriff Tate. Ignoring Walter’s despair and his illegal action of placing Walter on death row before his trial, Tate, “mocked Walter for thinking it would make any difference”(56). Prior to reading, the majority of American readers highly respected police chiefs and sheriffs. After watching Sheriff Tate illegally place Walter on death row, coerce evidence against an innocent man, and then mock Walter when he is at his absolute lowest, due to Tate’s own actions will disgust readers. Byran’s multiple recountings of Tate’s horrible actions will characterize him as an immoral villain in the eyes of those who believe heavily in justice. This newfound disdain for Tate will move readers to reconsider the unwavering respect of officers. This reconsideration is made even more necessary through Walter’s characterization. After returning to death row Walter was exiled for his inability to advocate for himself. He tells Bryan that to make it through he “prayed” and “read the Bible” but he was still, “terrified just about every day”(57). Prior to this excerpt the readers who believe in the justice