How do economic factors influence outcomes in the criminal justice system, according to Stevenson?

• A. They have no significant impact on legal outcomes
• B. They lead to improved legal representation for all
• C. They result in harsher penalties for the wealthy
• D. They create disparities in legal representation for the poor

Answer: (D)

Economic factors create significant disparities in legal representation, particularly affecting individuals from low-income backgrounds, as discussed by Bryan Stevenson in Just Mercy. Stevenson highlights that those who cannot afford quality legal counsel often face dire consequences in the criminal justice system. Wealthier defendants are able to hire skilled attorneys who can navigate the legal complexities and advocate effectively on their behalf, while those who are poor frequently rely on public defenders who are overworked and under-resourced. This imbalance often leads to unjust outcomes, such as wrongful convictions or harsher sentences for the economically disadvantaged. Thus, the impact of economic status is a critical theme in Stevenson's argument regarding fairness in the legal system.