R E K. (bigstone) - , reviewed on 3/4/2022 + 1452 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 1

Incredible! This is a stirring read by a man dedicated to change. Head of EJI, Equal Justice Initiative, he is a champion for the poor, children, and all who are treated without the care that every human should receive from the disabled to the illiterate to people of color. He and his collection of like minded supporters, lawyers and assistants work incredibly hard to free those imprisoned for crimes they didn't commit, represented by ncompetent lawyers, or framed by law enforcement officials who just want to solve a case quickly.

Mesmerizing! This book kept me glued to the pages until I finished. Would that every person cared as much about others as this unusual man. He has argued cases before the Supreme Court several times and achieved justice for the very young who have found themselves imprisoned for life for minor crimes, too young and inexperienced to make the judgments they need in times of peril. Why, he kept asking, are children treated like adults by prosecutors, courts and the public? His voice has begun to be heard by many and he has received many awards. They mean little to him beside the achievement of freeing someone who needs to be released from incarciation.

Stevenson became friends with one of the men he was able to get the courts to release from death row where he was sentenced by a judge who overruled the jury's decision to die for a crime he didn't commit. Yes, he worked with many on death row, hoping to get justice. Walter McMillan was a black man accused of murdering a white woman. He was no where near the site of her murder. In fact, he was at a barbecue with dozens of family and friends yet the sheriff bribed people to say he was there. He was convicted by an all white jury. It took years to get him released. He returned to a life without his business, his wife, and his reputation. There were those in who believed that someone who has been imprisoned is guilty. Nevertheless, Walter was a kind, forgiving and gently soul. He forgave thos who arrested him, accused him and prosecuted him. His story is told between stories about many others the author worked with during the years. This outstanding read should be on the list of every individual who hopes to make a difference in the lives of others.

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