Key Events
People
Themes
Evidence & Truth
Quotes & Meaning
100

This person is wrongfully accused of killing a police officer

Who is Walter McMillian?

100

The lawyer working to prove Walter’s innocence.

Who is Bryan Stevenson?

100

This theme shows how people are treated unfairly based on race.

What is racial injustice?

100

Witnesses say Walter was here at the time of the crime.

What is a fish fry?

100

Each of us is more than the worst thing we’ve ever done” relates to this idea.

What is mercy?

200

This is where the crime Walter was accused of took place.

What is Monroe County, Alabama?

200

This man falsely testifies against Walter.

Who is Ralph Myers?

200

This theme is shown through false testimony and hidden evidence.

What is corruption in the justice system?

200

This type of evidence contradicts the police’s case.

What is alibi evidence?

200

The system failing Walter shows a lack of this.

What is justice?

300

The police rely heavily on this unreliable witness.

Who is Ralph Myers?

300

This is the man wrongly convicted and sent to death row.

Who is Walter McMillian?

300

Stevenson’s work represents this idea.

What is justice / fighting for fairness?

300

The police ignore this kind of information.

What is evidence proving innocence?

300

Stevenson believes the legal system should protect this.

What is fairness / human rights?

400

This is what Bryan Stevenson begins to uncover about the case.

What is evidence of innocence / false testimony?

400

This group pressures witnesses to lie.

Who are law enforcement / police?

400

Walter’s situation highlights this major issue.

What is wrongful conviction?

400

This is manipulated to build a false case.

What is witness testimony?

400

Walter’s case shows what happens when this is ignored.

Truth

500

Walter is placed on death row before this happens

What is his trial?

500

This organization supports Stevenson’s work.

What is the Equal Justice Initiative?

500

Fear and pressure lead to this problem in the case.

What is false accusations / coerced testimony?

500

Stevenson works to uncover this hidden truth.

What is the real story / truth of the case?

500

Chapter 8 emphasizes the importance of this in law.

Integrity