Just Mercy

EJI experiences numerous threats over Walter’s case—three bomb threats in two months, threatening phone calls, and racist letters. They persevere despite this. “We had work to do” (204). Judge Norton denies their appeal, which Stevenson half expected. Norton wants to be a “custodian” for the system, rather than dismantle it (204). Stevenson tells Walter not to lose hope—their best chance is yet to come, with the Alabama Court of Appeals. Michael moves on from EJI to work as a public defender in San Diego and is replaced by Bernard Harcourt, a young Harvard grad.

Stevenson debates whether to go more public with Walter’s case. On one hand, Walter is being unfairly maligned, and the public has a right to know what a good person he is, how innocent he is. They also deserve to know about the abuses of power that have taken place. On the other hand, seeking media attention would open EJI up to defamation suits from Sherriff Tate and others. Stevenson decides to take the chance. He does interviews with The Washington Post and 60 Minutes as he files his appeal with the Court of Appeals. There is immediate backlash from the local white community, but the black community is “thrilled to see honest coverage of the case” (212).