Accused individuals and their attorneys can request a retrial on the grounds that their original trials were legally flawed. If granted, the defendant is given an entirely new trial with a new jury, and the burden is, once again, on the State to prove the defendant’s guilt. This differs from direct appeal and postconviction collateral appeal.
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Retrial Term Timeline in Just Mercy
The timeline below shows where the term Retrial appears in Just Mercy. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 5: Of the Coming of John
...he will drop the perjury charges, informing Stevenson that Judge Key denied Stevenson’s motion for retrial anyway. Stevenson is outraged by Chapman’s disregard for upholding the law and the state’s “abuse...
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...He tells Stevenson, “All I wanted to do is tell the truth.” Now that the retrial has been denied, Stevenson’s next step in Walter’s case is to request a direct appeal....
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