Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Just Mercy, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Resistance and Advocacy
Systemic Power, Oppression, and Dehumanization
Empathy, Mercy, and Humanization
Media and Public Opinion
Summary
Analysis
In his acknowledgements, Stevenson begins by thanking the individuals featured in the book and the many other “accused, convicted, and imprisoned” people who had “taught [him] so much about hope, justice, and mercy.” He writes that some names in the book were changed for privacy reasons. He thanks his agent, the editor, members of the publishing company, research assistants, and staff of EJI, many by name.
By first thanking the clients he has served and mentioned in the book, Stevenson indicates that their presence in his life has been of utmost importance. This suggests Stevenson’s desire not to be seen as the hero of the book: highlighting his clients’ experiences, efforts and wisdom gives them agency that has often been taken away or rendered invisible by their experiences.
Themes
