Stevenson's Early Experiences: As a law student, Stevenson met mentors like Betsy Bartholomew and Steven Bright, which fueled his passion for criminal law and racial inequality.
First Death Row Client: He met his first client, Henry, and during their conversation, the client was relieved to hear he wouldn't be executed soon, singing "Lord, plant my feet on Higher Ground" as he left.
Mass Incarceration: Highlighted the rise of mass incarceration from 300,000 in the 1970s to 2.3 million, with racial disproportions and unfair punishments.
Hope and Justice: Despite the grim statistics, Stevenson maintains hope, focusing on cases like Walter McMillian’s, stressing the importance of justice and compassion.
Chapter 1: Mockingbird Players
Walter McMillian's Case: Stevenson discusses McMillian, a client from Monroe County, Alabama, wrongfully accused of murder.
Miscegenation and Bias: McMillian’s relationship with a white woman, Karen Kelly, was manipulated to fuel false accusations against him.
Chapter 2: Stand
Beginning Legal Career: Stevenson's struggles with a heavy caseload and grim conditions in prisons.
Personal Encounter with Police: He was racially profiled by police, leading to a deeper understanding and empathy for those similarly mistreated.
Community Support: Receives encouragement from community members reminding him to "beat the drum of justice."
Chapter 3: Trials and Tribulation
Fabricated Evidence Against McMillian: Ralph Myers was coerced into providing false testimony against McMillian.
Unjust Judicial Practices: McMillian faced an all-white jury and was unlawfully held on death row before his trial.
Chapter 4: The Old Rugged Cross
Equal Justice Initiative (EJI): Stevenson starts the EJI to defend death row inmates.
Herbert Richardson's Execution: Despite Stevenson's efforts, Richardson was executed, highlighting systemic issues in capital punishment.
Chapter 5: Of the Coming of John
Community Support for McMillian: Stevenson gains support from McMillian’s family and community who attest to his innocence.
Darnell Houston's Testimony: Houston provides evidence contradicting the prosecution's case but faces intimidation and arrest.
Chapter 6: Surely Doomed
Charlie's Case: A 14-year-old tried as an adult for murder under traumatizing circumstances.
Resolution: Stevenson successfully moves Charlie's case to juvenile court, securing a lighter sentence.
Chapter 7: Justice Denied
Frustrations in Appeals: Walters' appeal is denied by a biased court.
Ralph Myers Recants: He admits to lying under coercion, leading Stevenson to uncover further corruption.
Chapter 8: All God's Children
Juvenile Sentencing: Discusses the harsh sentences given to minors, including Trina, Ian, and Antonio.
Victims Movement Impact: Shift in legal proceedings placing emphasis on victim impact, often marginalizing impoverished defendants.
Chapter 9: I'm Here
Retrial Hearing for McMillian: Stevenson presents new evidence in court, including coercion of witnesses.
Community Support: Strong presence of community support at the trial.
Chapter 10: Mitigation
Mental Illness and the Justice System: Stevenson's representation of mentally ill individuals highlights systemic neglect.
Guard's Change of Heart: A once-hostile guard shows compassion after learning more about Jenkins' case.
Chapter 11: I'll Fly Away
Threats and Hope: Despite threats, Stevenson is hopeful, with growing public support and investigative breakthroughs in McMillian’s case.
Walter's Release: McMillian is eventually released, and Stevenson reflects on the journey and lessons learned.
Chapter 12: Mother, Mother
Women's Injustice: Focus on the plight of marginalized women in the justice system, including Marsha Colbey’s wrongful imprisonment.
Chapter 13: Recovery
Post-Release Challenges: Walter faces reintegration challenges and a legal system that does not compensate for wrongful imprisonment effectively.
Chapter 14: Cruel and Unusual
Juvenile Life Sentences: Joe Sullivan's case exemplifies the injustice of sentencing juveniles to life without parole.
Systemic Failures: Highlights the prison industrial complex and its impact on society.
Chapter 15: Broken
Personal Reflections: Stevenson reflects on the brokenness of the justice system and the shared humanity in brokenness.
The Power of Mercy: Mercy as a powerful, transformative force embracing our shared vulnerabilities.
Chapter 16: The Stonecatchers Song of Sorrow
Supreme Court Rulings: Positive developments in juvenile sentencing and a focus on racial injustice.
EJI's Continued Work: Ongoing reform and advocacy efforts, emphasizing compassion and understanding.
Epilogue
Walter's Legacy: Walter McMillian's impact on Stevenson and the justice system.
Final Reflections: Stevenson concludes with a call for mercy rooted in hopefulness and the importance of compassion.