What systemic issue does Stevenson highlight regarding the relationship between race and sentencing?

• A. Racial bias affects only minor offenses
• B. Race has no influence on sentencing outcomes
• C. There is a correlation between race and harsher sentences
• D. Race is irrelevant to the judicial process

Answer: (C)

The correct answer emphasizes the significant connection between race and the severity of sentencing in the judicial system. Stevenson illustrates that individuals from marginalized racial backgrounds, particularly Black people, often receive harsher sentences compared to their white counterparts, even for similar offenses. This disparity reveals how systemic racism manifests in legal proceedings, affecting the decisions of judges and juries.

By documenting various cases and statistical evidence throughout "Just Mercy," Stevenson argues that racial bias is deeply ingrained in the criminal justice system. He highlights specific instances where race played a critical role in sentencing outcomes, shedding light on an urgent need for reform in how the judicial system approaches cases involving people of color. The acknowledgment of this correlation is crucial for understanding the broader implications of justice, equity, and the fight for reform that Stevenson advocates throughout the book.