Why and how do you think the criminal justice system failed in this case?

Film: Just Mercy

After watching the movie, write a reflection paper addressing the legal and constitutional principles in the film.

In your paper, demonstrate the relevance of these enduring principles today and reference the appropriate amendments and legal issues. Draw from other relevant Supreme Court cases (e.g., from your textbook and the film) and discuss the ways in which those decisions have influenced the modern interpretations and applications of the rights of the criminally accused and civil rights and liberties as it relates to this case. In addition, discuss the following:

Why and how do you think the criminal justice system failed in this case?
What laws were broken in the film by the police? By others?
What do you think could be done in the future to better ensure the protection of the liberties and rights as intended by the constitutional principles?
Next, address the two prominent themes of the film:

Wrongful Convictions: the investigation and conviction of Walter McMillian demonstrates the problem of erroneous convictions in a justice system (one out of every nine people on death row have been convicted of crimes they did not commit).
Excessively harsh punishment: a problem with capital punishment is its application in cases in which a long prison sentence would be more appropriate
Finally, conclude your reflection by answering the following:

What was your reaction to this film?
Why do you think you felt the way you did?
Does knowing more about the rights of the criminally accused change the way you view the themes in this film?

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