https://padlet.com/fordk7/gktwj7wqeakqpdg7 en-us 2022-03-30 00:59:57 UTC 2025-12-03 01:59:23 UTC hello@padlet.com fordk7 https://padlet.com/fordk7/gktwj7wqeakqpdg7/wish/2120440328 Bryan Stevenson is making another connection between poverty and the increased likelihood of a life of trauma and poor life choices. He tells the story of Michael O'Connor who led a life of heroin and drug abuse that stemmed from the neighborhood he grew up in. This shows how Michael, and many others like him, are born with a disadvantage because of circumstances they could not control. ]]> 2022-03-30 01:00:11 UTC https://padlet.com/fordk7/gktwj7wqeakqpdg7/wish/2120440328 fordk7 https://padlet.com/fordk7/gktwj7wqeakqpdg7/wish/2120440547 On page 135, Ralph Myers is telling a brag about how he knowingly lied about Walter McMillian and let him be sentenced to death for a crime he didn't commit. I can infer that Myers has a troubling past that has led him to resent the legal system. He finds it to be a joke that he was able to control the fate of another man with a simple statement. This proves how ineffective and troubled the system is. Myers was able to put a man on death row without any solid or factual evidence. ]]> 2022-03-30 01:00:19 UTC https://padlet.com/fordk7/gktwj7wqeakqpdg7/wish/2120440547 fordk7 https://padlet.com/fordk7/gktwj7wqeakqpdg7/wish/2120440695 Stevenson is detailing how the justice system dehumanizes the victims and betrays those it is designed to help. The inequality and everyone not being treated the same is a prevalent issue throughout the book. He is trying to help the reader understand the connection between abuse of power and individual suffering by telling the story of sisters Onzelle and Mozelle who were not offered any help by the legal system when their niece was murdered, and instead were ignored and pushed to the side. This goes along with the theme of corruption and political favoring.]]> 2022-03-30 01:00:26 UTC https://padlet.com/fordk7/gktwj7wqeakqpdg7/wish/2120440695 fordk7 https://padlet.com/fordk7/gktwj7wqeakqpdg7/wish/2120440875 This excerpt from the book discusses the ongoing theme of inequality, racism, and oppression within the justice system. Stevenson is continuously working to prove that the legal system, which is supposed to ensure that everyone is treated fairly, discriminates against minority groups such as African Americas, the poor, the incarcerated population, women, etc. He is illustrating how the justice system favors individuals who have more power and leaves minorities vulnerable. ]]> 2022-03-30 01:00:33 UTC https://padlet.com/fordk7/gktwj7wqeakqpdg7/wish/2120440875 fordk7 https://padlet.com/fordk7/gktwj7wqeakqpdg7/wish/2120441123 Stevenson illustrates the theme of violence, as well as physical and sexual abuse through the story of Trina Garnett and her family. In this excerpt, he is suggesting a connection between poverty and poor quality of life by mentioning that Trina's father's failed boxing career is what lead him to become a raging, abusive alcoholic. ]]> 2022-03-30 01:00:41 UTC https://padlet.com/fordk7/gktwj7wqeakqpdg7/wish/2120441123 fordk7 https://padlet.com/fordk7/gktwj7wqeakqpdg7/wish/2120441307 Ralph continuously taking about police corruption and conspiracy theories suggests his need to seek attention and tell elaborate stories. It is becoming unsure weather Myers will be able to clear McMillian's name, or if he will make a fool of everyone in court. He has a reputation of not being truthful, which intensifies the situation and puts the reader on edge. For a second time, Ralph Myers is going to be a crucial influence in deciding if McMillian gets to live. ]]> 2022-03-30 01:00:49 UTC https://padlet.com/fordk7/gktwj7wqeakqpdg7/wish/2120441307 fordk7 https://padlet.com/fordk7/gktwj7wqeakqpdg7/wish/2120441464 When McMillian was set to go to trial to appeal his death row case because new evidence may prove his innocence, the judge and court officials attempt to bully his family and supporters and make them feel unwelcome. The court attempts to scare them with metal detectors, K9 dogs, and a court room filled with white men who were in favor of McMillian being executed. This goes to show how unethical and corrupt the system is. They are trying to manipulate the situation to their favor through the use of intimidation and fear. ]]> 2022-03-30 01:00:55 UTC https://padlet.com/fordk7/gktwj7wqeakqpdg7/wish/2120441464