In Stevenson's view, how does systemic racism impact the justice system?

• A. It has no effect on legal outcomes
• B. It enhances fairness in sentencing
• C. It creates significant disparities in treatment and outcomes
• D. It only affects a small number of cases

Answer: (C)

The correct answer highlights that systemic racism creates significant disparities in treatment and outcomes within the justice system. In "Just Mercy," Bryan Stevenson articulates how deeply embedded racial biases influence legal decisions, sentencing, and the overall treatment of individuals within the system. He discusses numerous examples where people of color, particularly African Americans, face harsher penalties and injustices compared to their white counterparts, illustrating that racial bias affects not just individual cases but the functioning of the entire justice system.

Stevenson's narrative shows that these disparities stem from historical and persistent inequalities, leading to a systematic disadvantage for marginalized groups. By addressing cases of wrongful convictions and harsh sentencing for minor offenses, the book underscores the systemic nature of racism, which is not merely incidental but integral to the operations and outcomes of the justice system. This perspective fosters a deeper understanding of how the justice system is not neutral, but rather influenced by societal biases, thus making the correct choice clear in the context of Stevenson's arguments.