Bryan Stevenson on Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption

Rich Fahle interviews attorney and author Bryan Stevenson about the his book, Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption.
FROM THE PUBLISHER:
A powerful true story about the potential for mercy to redeem us, and a clarion call to fix our broken system of justice-from one of the most brilliant and influential lawyers of our time
Bryan Stevenson was a young lawyer when he founded the Equal Justice Initiative, a legal practice dedicated to defending those most desperate and in need: the poor, the wrongly condemned, and women and children trapped in the farthest reaches of our criminal justice system. One of his first cases was that of Walter McMillian, a young man who was sentenced to die for a notorious murder he insisted he didn’t commit. The case drew Bryan into a tangle of conspiracy, political machination, and legal brinksmanship-and transformed his understanding of mercy and justice forever.
Just Mercy is at once an unforgettable account of an idealistic, gifted young lawyer’s coming of age, a moving window into the lives of those he has defended, and an inspiring argument for compassion in the pursuit of true justice.
Watch more interviews here: • 2015 L.A. Times Festiv...

[@hpeace5916]

A real lawyer with heart and integrity. True man.💝

[@djmotise]

Fantastic host. He lets the guest speak without interrupting. It's a breath of fresh air. It's wonderful.

[@keeganjulian2360]

instablaster

[@MichelleJohnson_]

This book is incredible and my life will forever be changed because of it. I am compelled to fulfill my life's purpose and help others just as Mr. Stevenson and his EJI family did.

[@hesterhiggins644]

Bryan is just a prolific lawyer, he should be on the SCOTUS, his legal mind is profound and just.

[@TehMomo_]

he can do better work on the frontlines.

[@therealestsista]

So ELOQUENT! WELL SPOKEN BLACKMAN!!! MAN AFTER MY OWN ❤!!!IM SOOO VERY PROUD OF YOU YO!!! THX!!!

[@graceahrens6955]

I have just finished reading Bryan Stevenson's book 'Just Mercy' and was so impressed by Mr. Stevenson's integrity and diligence in helping black and poor incarcerated young men in fighting a backward justice system which has condemned them to such a bleak future either to serve life or to be put to death in many instances because of racially motivated communities, police and judges. In so many instances these young and poor men had been brought up in poverty and violence and had been molded by indifference and hatred. Through his diligence Mr. Stevenson gave these people a second chance at life, self esteem and hope for the future. Mr. Stevenson did not stand by the wayside and mull over the justice system, he delved deep into the the issue with resounding success. He couldn't save everyone, but not without trying. This is a book that will open your eyes to the injustice that brown and black and poor young Americans still have to face in the 21st century in the USA today.

[@bolivar1789]

Very well said Grace. Thank you! I am reading the book right now too. I think it is really everyone's RESPONSIBILITY to read it and to talk about it.

[@eldiejohnston9186]

Grace Ahrens and

[@paulandeileenwhitman6653]

Grace Ahrens b

[@carolynlis7866]

Amen

[@justmyopinion9883]

I saw the movie "Just Mercy" three weeks ago. It's one of the best films I've ever seen. I just started reading the book; I'm sure it will be good too. I admire Bryan Stevenson so much.

[@Vnexpress1203]

Just My Opinion I listened to audiobook version at work, I finished in two days. He’s such an amazing human being and an inspiration. I can’t wait to watch the movie.

[@nestleshopper1]

I cried and cried during the movie and felt angry at the injustices that were so vividly portrayed, so I can only imagine how emotional his book will be. I was not ready and had no idea of this story. Jamie Foxx, Michael B Jordan and Tim Blake Nelson all deserve awards for how they depicted these men. Well done👏👏👏

[@psr5363]

I met Mr. Stevenson at the 2016 Virginia Festival of the Book. Enlightening information that surprised me regarding the ability of judges in certain jurisdictions to overrule juries who sentence an accused to life in prison. Turning this sentence into death is unconscionable. He is correct in that being rich and guilty is so advantageous over being innocent and poor.

[@masimbamataruse7691]

Here after watching the movie Just Mercy. Even more impressed with him in real life.

[@59ezekiel]

One of the most important books of our generation... an absolute must read!!

[@whitneysolier1102]

WOW! One of the best interviews that I have ever seen. Stevenson is a real life super hero.

[@renaek712]

Bless his Soul, someone who is out for justice & to help others not just self. What an intelligent man. Love the book & the movie.

[@denisepatnodlic.ac.7612]

Mr B Stevenson is incredibly smart and compassionate! He is a fine example of a human being. I loved his book Just Mervy! My book club loved it and him. I have seen the inequalities w color as I have worked in the DOC system. I have seen women suffer through kind unfair sentencing. I have seen poor conditions in a legal system, crowded rooms, poor foods, no day programs, little support for religious preferences in the prison.,...There is not enough room to truely voice my concerns. I pray everyday for more equality and justice. Denise

[@p-soniad.jhgtmrwap3389]

I heard of the movie "Just Mercy" by the means of a church sermon yesterday. I had know ideal how it would hit home. But the Pastor insisted that the Minister continue to share her sermon by rendering a few more minutes of time. Then the Pastor made a statement that "somebody needed to hear it". So, I wrote down the title (Just Mercy). And told myself I should watch it later. And so did, only come to the knowledge that the Lord Jesus was saying don't loose hope, keep the faith for first family member, strangers and others that are incarcerated. Keep praying others the Lord is listening and He shall answer prayers. I speak Numbers 6:24-26 over Attorney Byron Stevenson and his staff. And Proverbs 29:7 (NIV) “The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.” Lord let our hearts turn towards you and your people.

[@darlenecastro4074]

One the best movies ever made

[@calroach1]

Mr. Stevenson is a great speaker who I could listen to all day.

[@maloobyable]

Great book, a must read - bringing forth important issues in our modern culture that contribute to the ignorance and hatred in the USA - things that have to change if we really want to be a nation that represents freedom and justice.

[@tonyfoster3251]

WHAT A GREAT HUMAN BEING 👑✊🏿💪🏿👊🏿

[@danielhaddon8653]

He MADE himself laugh so not to hinder his client in anyway 👌👍 what a smart Guy 😤💯🙏♥️♥️♥️

[@lql1094]

So true, the disrespect is so ingrained and they behave as if they're so entitled to look down on Black people. I don't know if I would have had the calm to not react in an offended way. You would hear it in my tone and see it on my face, poor client be damned.

[@lorebay2593]

That was amazing and precious at the same time to me, that he cared enough to protect the integrity of his clients case as not to hinder it with a perception of their attitudes towards men of color if they were so displeased to take it out on any black face, he knows them well. He withheld his own angst, an Amazing man, a Smart man, a Man to be desired.

[@lorebay2593]

We need a man such as this for president, on 2nd thought, he is too good for the presidency.

[@diasporabilu7563]

He very smart guy

[@EpitomeofALady22]

Late to the party. Well, I live in Texas. News has historically been late here. 😊 Better late than never. Thank you.

[@lql1094]

Now this man is "well spoken", not because of some stereotype about perfect diction, but because he articulates the heart of the matter -- racial bias, still today, and denying the effects of racism.

[@atribecalledjudah5436]

He is a living superhero

[@amapparatistkwabena]

Michale B. Jordan’s interview about his movie bright me here. I’m so thankful.

[@MzMary801]

The Guard & the Chocolate Milkshake♡ What it's all about, thank you Mr. Stevens.

[@cynthiahawkins2389]

My dear friend's grandfather went out onto his front porch, in the dead of night, and confronted the Klan night riders, who rode onto their property unannounced, in Sumter, decades ago. I cannot even imagine the fear he and his family must have felt. Nor, the courage it took, to stand quietly, certainly in fear of his life..or of lynching..for 'back talking the white man'..but I have such admiration. And my heart is sad that it happened at all - in America. Alas, it did...

[@katherinebicicchi4678]

I am sad too. I am also sad that my grandmother's family had a plantation with slaves in Louisiana. And was profoundly prejudiced. I am grateful that my parents thought and felt differently, though some of their thoughts grew out of a divided society. The many injustices in our country and in the world are profoundly troubling. I facilitate groups in social justice in my church. But I feel so helpless in the face of so much. Especially today, when our leadership is trying to take us back to the dark ages. And many of us are following them.

[@Originalking]

And you would think this nation would make these people whole through reparations after all this terror...wow

[@leticiamelendez2616]

Both were considered with each other giving us a great interview. The lawyer is an Angel on earth. I saw the movie ... never again extremely real, sad but give us hope. Love your children, ask God for wisdom 🙏🏻💕✨

[@Abhishekkumar-rx5zk]

Here after watching the movie Just Mercy

[@lindabatey9434]

Enjoyed his movie! A very fascinating man!

[@huntersflight9023]

They want us to forget about slavery, but their still finding slaves bodies today.

[@spirit1366]

They want us to forget about slavery but its in the national anthem.

[@MSALL-co8bf]

So hard not to get angry when seeing something like this.....Christ know "Our Battle"

[@billieblessed777]

WE ARE STILL IN THE MATRIX UNTIL YOU SEE GOD HIMSELF.

[@eddiehouston5330]

JUST MERCY for inmates in MISSISSIPPI DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS...

[@leongardner710]

The judge didn't see him, just his blackness...says a lot( n these are the individuals passing out judgment) n they have already formed an opinion...

[@PhoenixRisingShop]

Leon Gardner Absolutely!

[@nathanvancesr2409]

Mr. Barack Hussein Obama, if it is not too late, you and your wife desperately need to listen to and study the soul of this super beloved angel lawyer brother Mr. Bryan Stevenson, who also is an Harvard alum like the both of you! The difference is he in his soul has not turn an advocate of white supremacy as you have done after you got into the White House! 2020-2025 or else!~ EXODUS

[@nathanvancesr2409]

2020-2025 or else!~ EXODUS

[@andymacedo5821]

that's y'all the arrogance of having to apologize for your own wrong doing - but but your gonna have to soon enough - it's coming up an end - each of you are going to be held accountable - one way or another - you picked the wrong guy -

[@andymacedo5821]

Chuck E. cheese is out of business 🙄

[@MzMary801]

The Guard & the Chocolate Milkshake♡ What it's all about, thank you Mr. Stevens.