What is Stevenson’s view on life imprisonment without parole?

• A. He supports it as a necessary measure
• B. He believes it is a humane option for serious crimes
• C. He opposes it, arguing it reflects an inhumane approach to justice
• D. He thinks it should only apply to violent offenders

Answer: (C)

Stevenson’s view on life imprisonment without parole is that it reflects an inhumane approach to justice. In "Just Mercy," he discusses the detrimental impact of such sentences, emphasizing that they remove any hope for rehabilitation or redemption for individuals, particularly those who may have made mistakes in their youth or who come from dire circumstances. Stevenson advocates for a justice system that values mercy and the potential for change, citing the importance of recognizing the humanity of those incarcerated. He argues that life imprisonment without parole disproportionately affects marginalized communities and fails to acknowledge the complexities of human behavior and inherent potential for growth. This perspective clearly shows his disapproval of life sentences without the possibility of parole, positioning them as a continuation of a punitive rather than rehabilitative justice system.