Quick Write: More Than the Worst Thing We've Ever Done by Debora Speirs https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn Click anywhere on the padlet background to create your post. When the box comes up, write your name in the SUBJECT line and compose a response to the prompt provided at the end of these instructions. When you finish, click anywhere outside of the padlet to exit your post. Then read your classmates' posts and compose ONE thoughtful response to at least ONE other classmate's post. You may "LIKE" more than one classmate's post. ----- PROMPT: In a well-developed essay, take a position on one of the main arguments in the book Just Mercy, by Bryan Stevenson, that “Each of us is more than the worst thing we’ve ever done” (17-18). Support your position with appropriate evidence from your reading, experience, and/or observations. en-us 2021-08-31 00:29:55 UTC 2023-01-03 14:02:35 UTC hello@padlet.com Gabby https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2425798364 The criminal justice system fails those who have been wrongfully convicted. Walter McMillian was arrested on pretextual charges for a crime that he did not commit. He was alleged on Ralph Myer's allegations. Myer's was afraid of McMillian, so one of the officers told him to say that he was sexually assaulted. In Alabama, nonprocreative sex was illegal and McMillian was arrested on sex charges.]]> 2022-12-20 13:45:56 UTC https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2425798364 Emma Zou https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2425806303 In his book "Just Mercy", Bryan Stevenson states that "each of us is more than the worst thing we've ever done". Indeed, individuals should not be defined based on the worst crimes they've committed. Because of this, convicts should be given more reform and education opportunities, because people are not just defined by their worst deeds, and they are often capable of improving even more. There are countless examples of convicts who have greatly improved in reform programs, and have become better people. One such person was Robert Caston, a man who was in prison from the age of 17 to 63. In prison, he maintained a perfect conduct record, obtained his GED, and took countless classes in many areas. When he was released, Caston undoubtedly walked out as a better person than a simple criminal. Unfortunately, many people aren't given this opportunity to reform themselves - they are viewed only as the worst version of themselves, and never get the chance to improve. If the prison system focused more on reform programs, many convicts could show the best sides of themselves and eventually become productive members of society again.]]> 2022-12-20 13:55:00 UTC https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2425806303 Brianna Akuamoah-Boateng https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2425806813 The human experience is too complex to be defined by single actions and moments. The criminal justice system attempts to do this and as a result it neglects the potential for those indicted to be more than the crime they commit. In the words of Bryan Stevenson "Each of us is more than the worst thing we've ever done." To see someone at their worst is not equal to seeing them at their best and cannot be treated as the end and beginning of their humanity. To completely strip someone of the chance to grow and change is to strip them of their humanity. The criminal justice system does not deter crime but rather it deters change.  ]]> 2022-12-20 13:55:33 UTC https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2425806813 Pratheek Ramakrishna https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2425807862 I agree with Bryan Stevenson's position that “Each of us is more than the worst thing we’ve ever done” in his book "Just Mercy" because humans have the capacity to reflect and improve. An NIH survey found that 70% of inmates experienced regret for their crimes which shows that the inmates have reflected on their actions and are ready to improve themselves. However, the current justice system doesn't allow inmates to improve because prison sentences are overly long. This means that the point of prison is nulled because prison is supposed to take people and improve them so they can function as members of society.]]> 2022-12-20 13:56:41 UTC https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2425807862 Olivia Cong https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2425809032 Bryan Stevenson's argument that "Each one of us is more than the worst thing we've ever done" is crucial to the justice system as it allows people to be given a second chance for personal growth. Although Walter McMillian was wrongfully accused, many did not believe this, and they were also not willing to give him the benefit of doubt. Walter was more than the alleged charges, but he was suddenly labeled with them, and they were the only parts of him that people looked at. In order for there to be true justice, it is incredibly important to believe that people are more than just the crime they committed, as there are many situations where they can grow into better people when given the chance. Opportunities for education and therapy have been proven to help inmates change, and these second chances are proven to be beneficial when prisoners are released as well. The criminal justice system must be designed so that we do not define people by their worst actions, but rather by their potential to be better.]]> 2022-12-20 13:57:50 UTC https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2425809032 Zory Teselko https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2425811596 In Just Mercy, author Brian Stevenson asserts that "Each of us is more than the worst thing we've ever done." Bryan Stevenson's argument is not true all the time, however, because countless people have committed horrible crimes and continued to do so no matter the circumstances. His argument is often true, but there are still cases where it fails. While the vast majority of criminals are able to change for the better, there are still examples of criminals who continue to commit negative actions. For example, Ralph Myers in the first chapter of Just Mercy was involved in the murder of a woman and was jailed. In an effort to get law enforcement off his tracks, he blamed innocent Walter McMillian for another murder. While trying to frame an innocent man so that he gets locked up in prison for life already seems bad enough, Myers continued to treat McMillian even worse by blaming him for both murders and testifying against him in court. Myers did not stop after mistreating McMillian, and actually continued testifying against him to make him appear even worse, which shows that Myers did not improve after his terrible action against McMillian. He had the chance to show that he was "more than the worst thing" he's ever done, but instead he continued to build upon that action and do even worse things.]]> 2022-12-20 14:00:39 UTC https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2425811596 Lawrence Sun https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2425812675 I agree with Stevenson that we are not defined by the worst thing we have done, as good things we have done can outweigh bad things. Everyone has flaws and weaknesses that could be used as evidence against them, however a single isolated incident is not sufficient to represent a person's whole life. Stevenson argues that we need to embrace mercy to fix justice problems, and part of that comes with acceptance of what we have done and forgiveness from others, knowing that one action should not define one's whole life. Stevenson uses this principle to argue for shortened prison sentences and a restructuring of the judiciary process to make it more equitable for all. He argues that prison serves as a punishment more as a rehabilitation, and that the odds of going to prison are disproportionately stacked against minorities and people of color. Therefore, he asserts that the criminal justice system needs to see past the worst thing a defendant has ever done, and look at the bigger context of the defendant's life when determining sentences.]]> 2022-12-20 14:01:53 UTC https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2425812675 Xael Shan https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2425817879 We are more than the worst thing we've ever done. If we only focused on our worst actions, we couldn't focus on fixing those actions, nor could we learn from the past. One might argue that moving on from our atrocities means we live in ignorance; however, focusing on healing does not mean forgetting the past, only moving on from it. We need to remember our mistakes to learn from them, but learning also requires us to move forward. 

Redemption and reconciliation can only exist if we focus on current actions. In Bryan Stevenson's book, he talks about how swamped he is by his cases, of people being demonized, seen as 1 dimensional criminals. This demonization in the criminal justice system takes away the power from the detained from learning and opportunities to 'repent'. The Justice System aims to destroy and punish, rather than reform criminals; it refuses to provide education or therapy for inmates, ignoring the future of these inmates when they are released. This is also seen in America's slow defunding of social services; even now, suicide hotlines refer the user to call the police on their suicidal loved ones. ]]> 2022-12-20 14:07:22 UTC https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2425817879 Chloe Thompson https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2425821495 Stevenson's argument, "Each one of us is more than the worst thing we've ever done", is one that is very important to take into consideration when judging someone, especially in the criminal justice system.  The criminal justice system judges heavily on first impressions due to its nature of receiving accusations of crimes, and it is easy to label someone as the crime they have been accused of committing and not consider their potential to positively impact the community. In Stevenson's book, Just Mercy, Walter McMillan was wrongfully convicted and part of the reason why was because of the label people already had put on him. He was not given a fair trial and was put on death row. Stevenson's argument explains that this tendency in the system to judge quickly eliminates any opportunities for personal improvement. When people are in prison, their opportunities to grow mentally and become better people are limited, especially with long sentences. If the criminal justice system took Stevenson's argument into consideration, people who are convicted would receive fair trials, have opportunities for personal growth, and wouldn't quickly be put on death row because of a label that society has put on them. Stevenson argues that the criminal justice system should provide opportunities for personal growth for people who have been convicted instead of putting them in prison for long periods of time or sentencing them to death because people's crimes should not keep them from improving themselves.]]> 2022-12-20 14:11:04 UTC https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2425821495 Adriana Schulman https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2425824574 In his book, Just Mercy, Bryan Stevenson asserts that "Each of us is more than the worst thing we've ever done". Through this assertion, Stevenson implies that the criminal justice system is fundamentally flawed and must be changed, as it doesn't allow the incarcerated to become more than the worst thing they've ever done. I agree that the current criminal justice system unjustly judges people of color, particularly black men and children, and condemns them to prison for minor crimes or crimes they did not commit. While the system does adequately judge most people, there are those judged solely on made-up claims. For example, Walter McMillian was arrested on nonprocreative sex charges, which were falsified by Ralph Myer. As McMillian had previous run-ins with the law, he was made a scapegoat in Myer's case. The flawed justice system, believed Myer, a white man's claim, over McMillian's, a black man, plea of innocence.
Then even if the wrongly accused are released, there are minimal opportunities when reentering society as there exists stigma and judgment. People negatively view the previously incarcerated and don't give them a chance to reform themselves.

]]> 2022-12-20 14:14:11 UTC https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2425824574 Soumya Jailwala https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2425864678 Stevenson's argument that each of us is more than the worst thing we've ever done is incredibly important in creating a more rehabilitative justice system. When we only associate past actions with a person's character, we then let that one bad decision define the person as a whole. While past actions must be punished and acknowledged, a person will not change if they are labeled by bad decisions. The justice system should work towards showing people that they are capable of being good, as people will only continue bad habits if they are told that bad habits are all they are capable of. All people, regardless of their actions, deserve understanding and a second chance to some degree. A person can do many good things and many bad things in their life, and there is no person that can be classified as purely good or purely bad. Instead, the justice system should recognize the nuances and recognize the good in order to inspire the person to get rid of the bad on their own.]]> 2022-12-20 14:54:01 UTC https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2425864678 Liam Sheeran https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2425869932 In his book, Just Mercy, Bryan Stevenson makes the main argument that "Each of us is more than the worst thing we've ever done". This assertion is accurate and also plays an important part in making fair judgments in the criminal justice system. In short, the mentioned quote means that people's worst actions don't define who they are as a person, and that it's important to take more of a broad look at what they've done. If we look only at what someone did once and use this as a judgement of who they are, our perception could be tainted by the emotion, necessity, or bias of that one situation. No doubt, past actions must be accounted for, but it's not fair to label someone based on only one. 

Despite the need to broaden our scope when it comes to making judgments about someone based on one event, it's important to not forget these occurrences, since they help people to grow. When someone makes a mistake, changing their ways to avoid making it again is critical. Criminal justice and punishing people for what they've done is still important in making sure it doesn't occur again. So, in this way, it's important to not forget one's worst actions as well. ]]> 2022-12-20 14:59:26 UTC https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2425869932 Madi M https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2425870054 Stevenson in his book, Just Mercy, explains "Each of us is more than the worst thing we ever done." It is important to take into consideration because many are trying to fix or make right with whatever bad deeds they have done, and learning throughout that process. Recognizing our past mistakes results in having little to no more mistakes happen. Not focusing on the overall big picture and realizing that redemption can exist only if people give that person a chance to learn and educate themselves on why what they did was wrong or harmful. Especially when judging someone in the justice system. Stevenson explains the flaws of the justice system and is working to change it for the better, to give more opportunities to someone who is genuinely trying to change, or shouldn't even have to change due to the false accusations present in the justice system. It is seen throughout his book with McMillian and how the corrupt justice system wasn't giving him the opportunities that he very much needed. Stevenson's overall argument is that it is good in people and if people do one bad thing that defines them. If people have a label, self-growth is harder to accomplish and those bad habits may continue on. Redemption is possible only if the chance is given. ]]> 2022-12-20 14:59:33 UTC https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2425870054 Isabella Sabett https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2425870308 Bryan Stevenson in his book "Just Mercy" gives the statement that "each of us is more than the worst thing we've ever done." This assertion speaks to the flaws of the justice system. How many people after being convicted of a crime are only tried in the context of that crime, and not taking into consideration the possibility of a rehabilitation and positive outcome for the accused criminal. I agree that there is a necessary change that needs to be made in the fundamentals of the criminal justice system in order to give the opportunity for people, like Henry who had a good heart, a second chance at a productive life. Especially that in the case of wrongful conviction like Water McMillian, to give these innocent people a chance to hopefully live a more normal life again -- that McMillian was unable to do. ]]> 2022-12-20 14:59:46 UTC https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2425870308 Sophia Deng https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2425872753 Stevenson asserts that "Each of us is more than the worst thing we've ever done". I agree with his argument as who we are today is the summation of our millions of individual experiences. However, the criminal justice system tends to isolate a singular facet of one's identity, hyper-fixating on a mistake rather than the complex human being at the core of it all. As a result, our current system amplifies these mistakes and dishes out excessive sentences that more often than not, do not allow for prisoners to be rehabilitated and effectively return to society. Stevenson's argument goes against this unjust labeling, instead pushing for second chances and believing in the possibility of change despite singular mistakes. ]]> 2022-12-20 15:01:55 UTC https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2425872753 Daniel Lee https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2425872781 I agree with Stevenson's argument that we shouldn't be defined by the worst thing we've ever done. With the current justice system, many criminals are given harsh sentences and those who aren't incarcerated are still isolated from the rest of society. They are labeled according to the crime they committed regardless of any improvements they made or regrets they have, so society refuses to associate with them. As Stevenson mentions in his book, poor women are banned from receiving food stamps and public housing if they have prior convictions and many places have given up on rehabilitation systems for the imprisoned. The system should be able to acknowledge that people can make mistakes and also redeem themselves.]]> 2022-12-20 15:01:57 UTC https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2425872781 Milo Rickert https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2426045173 In Bryan Stevenson's book, Just Mercy, he claims that "each of us is more than the worst thing we have ever done." Though it is easy to judge people by their worst moments- bad things stick in our memories more than good things -it is important we make an effort to resist what is easy, and instead do what is right. We all have had bad days, weeks, months, where all the world is bearing down upon us. When situations are bad, and tensions are high, it is difficult to make good decisions on occasion. Everyone has regrets, bad moments, times when they hurt someone. Therefore, it is imperative that we treat others with grace and understanding, rather than harsh judgement. Reminding ourselves of this principle is especially important in regard to criminals, as it is easy to detach ourselves from the situation and see people without empathy. However, it is important to always remind ourselves that we are not defined by our lowest moments, our worst decisions, and instead, by who we consistently choose to be. ]]> 2022-12-20 18:11:01 UTC https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2426045173 Jay Wankhede https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2426046431 This is a powerful and important message that highlights the inherent worth and dignity of every human being, regardless of their past actions or mistakes.
There are several compelling reasons to support this argument. First and foremost, it is a fundamental principle of justice and fairness that individuals should be judged based on their actions at the time they were committed, rather than being permanently labeled and punished for a single event in their past. This is particularly relevant in the criminal justice system, where individuals are often sentenced to harsh and disproportionate punishments based on a single crime, without consideration for the complex circumstances and mitigating factors that may have contributed to their actions. For example Walter McMillan was wrongfully convicted and this therefore did not uphold the justice system in place. 
Furthermore, the idea that people are defined by the worst thing they have ever done denies the fundamental human capacity for growth, redemption, and change. Everyone makes mistakes, and it is important to recognize that people can and do learn from their errors and strive to become better versions of themselves. This is especially true for those who have been incarcerated and are working to rebuild their lives after serving their sentence. This would be the case if McMillan was to be allowed to live after not being convicted correctly.

]]> 2022-12-20 18:12:29 UTC https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2426046431 Neel Bhattacharyya https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2426047287 Stevenson argues in his book Just Mercy that "each of us is more than the worst thing we've ever done." In the current criminal justice system many people are forced to undergo harsh sentences that impact them for the rest of their lives. According to Stevenson's experience, many people anxiously wait on death row living each day with the fear that they would be executed with out proper review of their case. In Walter McMillan's case, he was executed for a murder that he did not even commit. Because of senseless and unjust executions like these, it is important for us to adopt this idea of people being more than a crime that they have committed. In doing so, we no longer ostracize people who have been incarcerated from society and actually consider their case in a way that mistakes such as Walter McMillan's death does not occur. ]]> 2022-12-20 18:13:27 UTC https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2426047287 Aly Vaca https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2426047916 Bryan Stevenson, in his book "Just Mercy" asserts that "each of us is more than the worst thing we've ever done." Stevenson is correct in this assertion despite the fact that people, especially people within the criminal justice system, are often reduced to the worst thing they've done. This label is often placed without considering both their circumstances in the moment, but also the choices they made since and before then. Everyone is capable of change for better or worse just as everyone is capable of making mistakes, and therefore Stevenson's point stands in that it would be ill-advised to judge people based only on one action or period in their life, especially their worst. We offer forgiveness and leniency to those around us everyday, and we must also do that for those society has labeled as criminals.]]> 2022-12-20 18:14:10 UTC https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2426047916 Jennifer Cruz https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2426047940 Bryan Stevenson states that "Each of us is more than the worst thing we've ever done" meaning that just because we did something wrong one time that does not define us for the rest of our lives. Which is something that is true in my opinion if we take a look back at the text he talks about the man Henry that was sentenced to the death penalty and how the prison guards viewed him as a horrible person but to Stevenson he was a normal human. He felt comfortable with him, talked with him for 3 whole hours and at the end of it Henry sang a song from church and Stevenson didn't see him as a horrible human being because whatever crime Henry may have committed isn't what defines him. What would define Henry is the way he moves forward in life and how he chooses to become a better person. Which is what Stevenson means by " Each of us is more than the worst thing we've ever done" we define who we are and how we move forward not the things not we have done in our past. ]]> 2022-12-20 18:14:12 UTC https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2426047940 Archit Ashok https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2426047999 In his novel Just Mercy, Bryan Stevenson, in the context of the labels placed on those convicted of crimes, recounts a "vital lesson," that he had learned through his experiences - "Each of us is more than the worst thing we've ever done."  While this argument in general holds true, this may not, and is not intended to be the case in certain scenarios - namely when it comes to the justice system. Humans are incredibly fluid and adaptive creatures, emotions, behaviors, and mannerisms can change at any point in a single person's life. To continuously describe someone by something they have done in the past, even after they have repented and possibly changed, is to reduce them to their crime, and to strip them of their humanity. However, outside of such a general scope, inside the scope of the criminal justice system, these labels are what matter. A person's change in behavior or mannerisms is hardly relevant to a specific crime that has been committed. A person is tried, and is sentenced for the crime they committed, no matter how much they choose to change, the fact that they have committed the act, or are accused of committing it, cannot be changed. Truly, in the eyes of the law, a person is as worse as their past crimes, and these are things that can never disappear. ]]> 2022-12-20 18:14:15 UTC https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2426047999 Mere Dullaghan https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2426048067 Bryan Stevenson, in his book Just Mercy, provides the readers with the statement "each of us is more than the worst thing we have ever done." Personally, I see eye to eye with Stevenson's claim as I am aware of the flaws the justice system holds. Everyday criminals are sentenced to death for a singular crime they committed. The public focuses solely on the fact they committed a heinous crime, not putting their mental health or living conditions into consideration. Society is constantly blinded by the fact that the criminal has done something wrong, that they cannot bring themselves to forgive, or feel an ounce of sympathy for them. There is no such thing as being offered a second chance once you have committed a crime severe enough to be punishable by death. ]]> 2022-12-20 18:14:20 UTC https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2426048067 Sumedh Vangara https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2426048069 Bryan Stevenson, in Just Mercy, asserts that "Each of us is more than the worst thing we've ever done". This assertion is mostly true. Most people experience highs and lows throughout their life, and make decisions largely based on their current emotional state. If they are in a state of desperation for instance, they may make improper decisions that don't speak or represent their actions as a whole. In general, there may be certain points in one's life where they make terrible decisions because they are ill-informed or in a bad situation, emotionally and physically. These decisions and the corresponding actions don't and cannot represent an individual as a whole and their body of work as they were made not during normal circumstances, but rather in times of need or desperation. However, there are certain actions so terrible that warrant no further reevaluation of the individual who made them, which is where this assertion falls apart. ]]> 2022-12-20 18:14:20 UTC https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2426048069 Patrick Foley https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2426048122 Bryan Stevenson, in his book "Just Mercy", argues that "Each of us is more than the worst thing we've ever done". The current criminal justice system does not take into account this statement. The system focuses on that worst thing that people have done, and punishes them for it. Everybody is not defined by the worst thing, or best thing they have done, but of everything they have ever done in their lives. Everybody's actions throughout their lives dictate who they are now. The criminal justice system does not take this into account, and hands out punishments and categorizes people based on only the worst thing they have ever done.]]> 2022-12-20 18:14:23 UTC https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2426048122 Breanna Salovich https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2426048197 In the story "Just Mercy" the author, Bryan Stevenson argues that "Each one of us is more than the worst thing we've ever done". This argument highlights the many issues with the criminal justice system. I completely agree with the idea that we are more than the bad things we have done, and how the justice system does not show that. For example, in "Just Mercy" a black man named Walter McMillan, was falsely accused of a crime he did not commit. Not only did his once perfect reputation become instantly ruined by a false claim, he also was treated horribly in jail. The justice system was so focused on an accusation that did not make sense rather than focusing on the innocent plea. Even if Walter did commit the crimes he was accused of, he deserves some kind of understanding as there could be an underlying reason behind it. The justice system ignores the fact that some people can learn and grow, or have regret. It also completely disregards the black man's side of the story which highlights the flaws of the system itself. ]]> 2022-12-20 18:14:29 UTC https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2426048197 Robert Juliano https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2426048887 Bryan Stevenson in his book "Just Mercy", displays a core idea of his, which is "Each of us is more than the worst thing we've ever done." This idea is inherently flawed, and though it has good intentions, it actually does more harm.

Many questions with Stevenson's claim arise due to the open ended nature, and absoluteness of the statement. This suggests that even the most egregious of crimes, can be forgiven because a set of circumstances led to that event. He even explicitly states that a murderer is more than just his title. But does that mean man should not pay for his actions? Should he remain unpunished because of some tragic backstory? In the end, it was still the murderers decision to take a life, and this cannot go penalized.

The real world consequences of implementing this idea into the criminal justice system are disastrous. Murderers left unpunished will quickly learn that they can kill again, and society has a net negative from this. We sacrifice the innocent because of a sob story the guilty may tell.

To clarify, while Stevenson's reasoning is technically correct, but he is purposefully justifying heinous actions in an attempt to have punishments be more lenient for criminals. As they roam the streets, the innocent will suffer, and society will devolve into anarchy.]]> 2022-12-20 18:15:13 UTC https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2426048887 Elizabeth Ivanova https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2426049067 Bryan Stevenson in his book, "Just Mercy" argues for the fact that, "Each of us is more than the worst thing we’ve ever done.” This ties into his position on the criminal justice system in America and how it disproportionately fails people of color, those with cognitive or psychological disabilities, and the poor. Stevenson’s experiences bear this statement out. Each person contains multitudes. One act, perhaps committed due to poverty, mental illness, or bad decision-making, does not wholly define a person. Many people make mistakes—not just convicted criminals, but sheriffs and judges, as well. And all people, Stevenson argues, deserve mercy. I agree that there must be necessary changes to the basics of the criminal justice system to give people a chance.]]> 2022-12-20 18:15:26 UTC https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2426049067 Nikhil Kakani https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2426049074 In his book, Just Mercy, Bryan Stevenson states that "each of us is more than the worst thing we've ever done." In doing so, Stevenson is able to speak to the flaws of the judicial system and how innocence is won rather than discovered. Although no one is perfect, people are often associated with the one mistake they have made. A single murder may make someone a killer, but a murder out of self-defense can be explicable. These assumptions grow into stereotypes over time, which can affect the way someone of the same group is perceived, especially in court. Stevenson exemplifies this with the case of Walter McMillan, an individual who was wrongly convicted due to initial prejudice by the court. In this case, the stereotypical assumption that a black man's claim is false in comparison to a white man's brings injustice to a room that should demonstrate equity and justification.]]> 2022-12-20 18:15:26 UTC https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2426049074 Lahari Bandaru https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2426049588 In his book, Just Mercy, Bryan Stevenson asserts that "Each of us is more than the worst thing we've ever done" - and I couldn't agree more. Humanity loves to villainize the incriminated. Because doing so removes all question of their guiltiness, and thus validates their own morality. But this villainization often hyperbolizes the misdemeanor beyond reality, taking away its human complexity. And there are several aspects to this. First of all, it is likely that the so called crime was committed without intention. In this situation, it is undeniable that the criminal's moral integrity is not tarnished by the act. And even if the misdemeanor was intentional, society rarely attempts to consider the environment, situation, or background that pushed the individual in question to commit this act. Their intentions could have been understandable, if only we are willing to consider them. And even if the crime is genuine and the intention is immoral, we must recognize that an individual is defined by the multitude of their experiences and commitments. It would be irrational to judge them solely based on a singular unpleasant one. ]]> 2022-12-20 18:16:00 UTC https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2426049588 Jasmine Moody https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2426050135 Bryan Stevenson's claim that each person is "more than the worst thing [they've] ever done" is one of a radically humanistic point of view. The very point of this claim is to argue for humane treatment of prisoners, particularly those on death row, but this is a "rose-tinted glasses" way of looking at prisoners. There are certain prisoners to whom this may apply (the innocent, the wrongfully tried, etc.) but there are other prisoners, the worst of the worst, who are truly detrimental to humanity and anyone around them. There are people who would gladly commit their worst crimes again if given the chance simply because they enjoy it. We are human, there is no way to 100% confirm if an inmate is this type of person, and though I understand the intentions behind his statement, there is flaw in Bryan Stevenson's claim. ]]> 2022-12-20 18:16:36 UTC https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2426050135 Ryan Zhao https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2426050479 One assertion that is continuously being pushed by Bryan Stevenson is that "each of us is more than the worst thing we've ever done." This assertion is one that goes against the standard viewpoint of the criminal justice system and highlights the flaws that the traditional system holds. If everyone were defined by their bad decisions and habits, they would never receive or have an opportunity to grow and learn from their mistakes. The environment that is being created would not allow for any attempt at rehabilitation. Instead, the justice system should be able to recognize that people make mistakes and mess up. These people should be punished accordingly, of course, but there needs to be a second chance given to allow them to right their wrongs. This would allow more positive and beneficial people to come back to society, rather than isolating or punishing them for their entire life over a singular mistake they made.]]> 2022-12-20 18:16:59 UTC https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2426050479 Kailie Park https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2426051760 Perceiving only good or evil people is detrimental to the growth and unity of society. To see people solely for their background, whether that be their accomplishments or wrongdoings, removes their opportunity to change if they are always seen the same. Change in a person, especially one convicted of a crime, is capable and should be encouraged. While it is difficult to not judge a person based off an action, especially if you have personal or moral constraints on the worst crimes, we mustn't allow harsh feelings of judgement blind us from the real person who committed those actions, the human who has potential to create a good life for themselves if they were just given the chance.  This is why the message, "Each of us is more than the worst thing we've ever done," from social justice activist Bryan Stevenson, should be more followed by those working in the criminal justice system. ]]> 2022-12-20 18:18:31 UTC https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2426051760 William Jauquet https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2426053966 In his book "Just Mercy" Brian Stevenson asserts that "Each of us is more than the worst thing we've ever done." Indeed a person is more than their actions. It is all too easy to define someone based on what we've seen, and what they've done. In doing so, we rob both them and ourselves of our humanity. Part of being human is growth and change. When we deny that to someone, we deny our own capacity to grow. Who amoungst us would not wish for mercy had we committed a transgression? It is also important that we give mercy to those that ask for it. This is not to say that all crimes must be let slide or that one should forget their transgressions. Instead, when we offer judgment we should remember that every criminal is human. By its definition, mercy isn't deserved. Mercy is something we give because we hope that people can change because we see their humanity.]]> 2022-12-20 18:20:48 UTC https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2426053966 Priscilla Kim https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2426054614 There are millions of lies told everyday. There are millions of hateful comments sent everyday. People do bad things in their life no matter how pure they may appear. In the book, "Just Mercy," by Bryan Stevenson, he argues for this idea that we are more than the worst thing that we've ever done. Because, like Stevenson once said, if you've ever told a lie (which we all have), that does not classify you as a liar. From the fact that once someone is convicted as a criminal, it is extremely hard to find a place that will hire you, to Stevenson's writing on Henry's trial on his way to the death row and showing the person a cellmate is, instead of being viewed as an object to abuse in prison, to  depict how people do not deserve the severe treatments that they receive over one thing that they have done. 
Our justice system is already corrupt- there is a strong bias against people of color, and the police force are often not held accountable for false claims. So when someone makes one mistake and gets sent to jail, they are now given this new identity of a criminal. This forces the individual into a tight situation where this negative label cuts off many opportunities for them to find a job and support themselves.

]]> 2022-12-20 18:21:32 UTC https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2426054614 Josselyn Barillas https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2426054650 The book "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson argues that "each of us is more than the worst thing we've ever done." This refers to the justice system, specifically to the presumption of guilt held toward people. Despite overcoming past mistakes, and reforming the way you behaved or thought there is still a presumption of guilt held towards you for the actions you took before. Being neglected from being innocent until proven guilty and just being thrown the blame. The quote reveals how there is more to a person than their record, that the person is more than the stereotype. Those of color are more than six times more likely to be arrested than white Americans, and still that amount is increasing drastically. Due to a simple mistake, a flaw created by someone of the same race for not being given the same opportunities as others does not mean that all of the same race are the criminals, and that those who committed those crimes are just a felony. They are human, a family member, they could've been struggling or had been in a situation that raised them to take those actions. If the implicit bias is not corrected, and the presumption of guilt is not removed than more innocent people will be placed in prison, and those who deserve a second chance will remain segregated from the rest of society.]]> 2022-12-20 18:21:34 UTC https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2426054650 Gabriella Quito https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2426055365 In Bryan Stevensons book "Just Mercy" asserts that "Each of us is more than the worst thing we've ever done". The bad deeds that one does does not make up their entire identity, but in the criminal justice system they do just that. In prison or jail, criminals are treated based on what they did to get there. In Stevensons book, the story of Walter McMillan is an example of this. As Stevenson takes on Walter McMillans case he is immediatley told to step down because the opposing side was so sure that he was the culprit. They talked about McMillan as something derogatory. McMillan claimed that he did not do the crime, but no one heard him. For people in his situation who are treated badly solely because of what they did, how are those are given labels because of thier crime, like in McMillans case supposed to break out of the label of their crime? If they arent allowed to speak their truth nothing will change, and these people will continue to get criminal charges. People can not be judged based just on what they have done, but who they are as a person and what they had done in their life, if not these people will never be able to grow and change. ]]> 2022-12-20 18:22:24 UTC https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2426055365 Daniel Ling https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2426056111 In his book "Just Mercy", Bryan Stevenson states that "Each of us is more than the worst thing we've ever done." Through this assertion, Stevenson criticizes the US criminal justice for its inherently flawed design which doesn't allow incarcerated people to ever improve and keeps their position in society at its worst, only allowing them to sink lower. While there are clearly people who have committed intentional crimes so heinous that they are clearly irredeemable, for most people, a single incident in their lives is not indicative of what they can truly be. Furthermore, the prescence of human error when someone gets convicted can also exist. Mistakes on the investigator's part or false accusations can ruin the life of someone innocent, and the possibility of that scenario, however small, must be accounted for. An example of this can be seen in chapter 1, in which Walter McMillian was arrested for a crime not commited by him, after which the charges were falsified by Ralph Myer in order to use McMillian as a scapegoat for his own crime. In the case of McMillian, he was never given a second chance to prove himself, something that should be avoided at all costs in future cases. ]]> 2022-12-20 18:23:11 UTC https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2426056111 Snigdha Chelluri https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2426070968 In his book, "Just Mercy," Bryan Stevenson states that "each of us is more than the worst thing we've ever done" (17-18). Though it is common for everyone to make mistakes, many are judged, and even defined, by them. Not only does this type of mindset create a false perception of people, but discourages change and growth within a person. In many instances, those who commit wrongdoings are willing to accept their actions and do their best to not repeat those mistakes. However, when one bad moment is used to define you, what reason do you have to try and change that perception? It's like when you tell one lie, people's automatic response is to brand you a liar; that one lie diminishes your credibility, and people no longer choose to believe you even though you may be telling the truth. This is often seen in the criminal justice system. Once a person is convicted of a crime, they are no longer seen as capable of changing to become a better person. Take the case of Walter McMillan, for example. He is wrongfully convicted as a murderer, on the basis of his race and his relationship with a woman of the opposite race. His actions were used against him, and ultimately led to him being placed on the death row with his voice left unheard. Despite all evidence pointing to the contrary, the police refused to consider it due to the presumption of guilt. Just because a mistake is made, doesn't mean that you will continue to make that mistake. Everyone deserves to be given to the chance to grow and prove that they are more than what their mistake may say about them.]]> 2022-12-20 18:41:25 UTC https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2426070968 Vivan Madan https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2426328003 In the book, Just Mercy by Brian Stevenson, the author conveys the notion that "Each of us is more than the worst thing we've ever done." Such notion is a philosophical stance, and it lends itself to the question "are we defined by our mistakes, and these mistakes alone?" However, such a question is answered through societal judgement. People are only more than their mistakes only if society allows them the chance to be so. It is apparent that mass murderers are only defined by their turpitudinous actions; these people are only remembered by their atrocities. Take Ted Bundy, for example: many only know him as the mass murderer he was. By the same vein, take Erwin Schrodinger who is hailed by society as the "father of quantum mechanics." Many have at least heard his name once, especially when it comes to his famous discoveries. However, despite the veneration and his truly impactful contributions to the progression of science, he has done some not so great things such as grooming students. Society's judgement of people is only weighed by how much they have contributed to society versus the immoralities they've committed. If society believes that one is only defined by their mistakes, then that's who they are; the same is true for the opposite. ]]> 2022-12-21 02:51:36 UTC https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2426328003 Avyukth Selvadurai https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2432449987 In the book, Just Mercy, the books author Bryan Stevenson asserts that "Each of us is more than the worst thing we've done." People can, will, and do change, but in the United States especially this is not the case. No matter the crime people will more often than not be branded by society as the crime they committed. Even if a person does change they will carry the burden of their crime with them their entire life. For example, formerly incarcerated people will in most cases have a much harder time trying to get a job and change their lives for the better even if they try. As hard as we may try to look past their crimes in most cases it's impossible. Furthermore, incarcerated peoples especially in the United States have a very high rate of being put back in jail for the crimes they committed. While it may be argued that this is the prison system's fault which is a notion I agree with it still shows that numerous people do not get past their crimes. Even if a formerly incarcerated person does change, it doesn't change the fact society views them as a criminal and in that sense they arent more than the worst crime they have committed. ]]> 2023-01-03 13:59:13 UTC https://padlet.com/debora_speirs/z958chrmggnhc2cn/wish/2432449987