How does "Just Mercy" depict the role of fear in the justice system?

The depiction of fear in "Just Mercy" emphasizes its role as a mechanism used to control and justify harsh sentences, which often undermines the principles of fair trials and justice. Throughout the book, Bryan Stevenson illustrates how fear influences the behaviors and decisions of legal professionals, judges, and even juries. This fear manifests in a variety of ways, such as the fear of violent crime prompting society to support more severe penalties and the general apprehension surrounding race and poverty that impacts the treatment of individuals in the justice system.

Stevenson discusses how the threat of violence and public outcry can lead to rushed and unjust legal proceedings, ultimately resulting in disproportionately harsh sentences for marginalized individuals. This use of fear by the justice system often perpetuates inequalities and leads to a lack of genuine consideration for the individual circumstances of defendants. By highlighting these instances, "Just Mercy" critiques a broken system in which fear of crime, rather than a commitment to justice and rehabilitation, drives legal outcomes.

This perspective reveals a deep connection between societal fears and the institutional practices that can lead to miscarriages of justice, making it clear that fear is not only a byproduct of the system but also a pivotal tool that shapes its operations.