In what context does Stevenson refer to practices "antithetical to justice"?

Stevenson refers to practices "antithetical to justice" specifically in the context of mandatory sentencing laws and the death penalty. He critiques these practices for perpetuating systems of inequality and often resulting in harsh consequences for marginalized populations. Mandatory sentencing laws remove judicial discretion, meaning that judges cannot consider the unique circumstances of each case, which can lead to disproportionate punishments that do not serve justice. The death penalty, similarly, raises significant moral and ethical concerns, particularly regarding its application in cases involving racial bias and inadequate legal representation. These forms of punishment often reflect systemic flaws within the criminal justice system that Stevenson's work seeks to expose and challenge, thus highlighting their incompatibility with the principles of fairness and equity that should underpin true justice.