What does Bryan Stevenson advocate for throughout his work?

Bryan Stevenson advocates for understanding and compassion for the marginalized, a central theme throughout his work in "Just Mercy." He emphasizes the importance of seeing the humanity in people who have been convicted of crimes, particularly those who are poor, mentally ill, or people of color. Stevenson’s efforts focus on reforming the criminal justice system, highlighting the systemic injustices that disproportionately affect these vulnerable groups. He shares personal stories of individuals caught in the web of unfair legal practices to illustrate the need for empathy and change. By conveying these narratives, Stevenson aims to encourage readers and society at large to foster compassion rather than judgment, ultimately striving for a more equitable system.

The other options do not align with Stevenson’s mission; he is not advocating for harsher punishments or maintaining the status quo in legal structures, nor is he prioritizing data over the stories that bring to light the human experiences behind the statistics.