1. In what ways do you see a presumption of guilt assigned to people of color manifesting in your community today?
2. How would you describe the relationship between Anthony Ray Hinton, Walter McMillian, and Herbert Richardson while on Alabama’s death row?
3. Mr. Hinton, who works now as a passionate advocate against the death penalty has said that one of the most painful aspects of his ordeal is that the State of Alabama has never offered an apology for the 30 years of his life that he spent on death row and for the extraordinary injustice he suffered. Despite the state’s failure to hold itself accountable for Mr. Hinton’s wrongful conviction, Mr. Hinton has publicly forgiven everyone who was involved. He has written, “I chose to forgive...I forgive because not to forgive would only hurt me.” Why do you think an apology is important to Mr. Hinton?
4. Bryan Stevenson and the Equal Justice Initiative believe that “we are all more than the worst thing we’ve ever done.” What does this quote mean to you after reading/watching JUST MERCY? What would it mean to live in a world where the criminal justice system reflects this statement?
5. Did your state play a role in the massive deinstitutionalization rates of the 1990s? What impact do those actions have on today’s society?
6. Václav Havel, the great leader, says people in difficult situations need what one thing? How did having this help Walter and his family?
7. Should wrongfully imprisoned people receive financial restitution from the state? If so, how should the amount be determined?
8. What is the Eighth Amendment and what are its origins?
9. According to Stevenson, what are the four institutions in American history that have shaped our approach to race and justice? Do you agree?
10. The death penalty is not about whether people deserve to die for the crimes they commit. The real question of capital punishment in this country is: Do we deserve to kill?
Bonus: How has having a black teacher impacted your life? Provide specific examples
