Vocabulary in Just Mercy

Evidence or arguments presented in a legal case to reduce a defendant's sentence or moral blame, such as a difficult childhood or mental illness, without excusing the crime itself.

A category of homicide so serious — typically involving aggravating factors — that it is punishable by the death penalty under law.

The section of a prison that houses inmates who have been sentenced to death and are awaiting execution.

Relating to a higher court that reviews and can overturn decisions made by a lower trial court, without holding a new full trial.

Describing evidence that tends to clear a defendant of guilt or fault; information a prosecutor is legally required to share with the defense.

To formally take back or withdraw a previous statement or testimony, often because it was false or given under pressure.

Imprisoned; confined in a jail or prison as a result of a criminal conviction or while awaiting trial.

Too poor to afford legal representation; in a legal context, qualifying for a court-appointed attorney at public expense.

A legal petition demanding that a court examine whether a prisoner's detention is lawful; a fundamental safeguard against unlawful imprisonment.

Improper or illegal actions by a prosecutor during a trial or investigation, such as hiding evidence or coaching witnesses, that violate a defendant's right to a fair trial.

An official reduction of a criminal sentence to a lesser punishment — for example, changing a death sentence to life in prison — granted by a governor or other authority.

The method of execution used in most U.S. states, in which a series of drugs is administered intravenously to cause death.

A legal defense arguing that a defendant's mental impairment, though not rising to full insanity, reduced their ability to form criminal intent and should lessen their punishment.

A constitutional standard from the Eighth Amendment prohibiting punishments that are barbaric, grossly disproportionate, or shocking to a civilized society.

A fixed minimum prison sentence required by law for a particular crime, removing a judge's discretion to impose a lighter penalty.

Stripped of the right to vote or otherwise deprived of full civil rights, often as a legal consequence of a felony conviction.

A court order that temporarily halts a scheduled execution, allowing more time for legal appeals or review.

Physical damage to the brain caused by an external force or blow, which can impair judgment, impulse control, and behavior — often raised as mitigating evidence in sentencing.

A condition caused by exposure to alcohol before birth that results in physical and cognitive disabilities, sometimes presented as mitigating evidence in criminal cases.

A form of imprisonment in which an inmate is isolated alone in a cell for most or all of the day, with little or no human contact.

In a legal context, a defendant's mental ability to understand the charges against them and meaningfully participate in their own defense.

The official clearing of a person from criminal charges or blame, typically after new evidence proves they did not commit the crime.

The provision of the U.S. Constitution that forbids the government from imposing excessive bail, excessive fines, or cruel and unusual punishments.

A formal statement made directly to the court by a convicted defendant before sentencing, often expressing remorse or explaining circumstances.

Nearest or most directly responsible; in legal reasoning, the cause most immediately connected to a harmful outcome.