What does Stevenson argue is necessary for a fair legal system?

Stevenson emphasizes that a fair legal system must provide adequate resources for defense to ensure that individuals facing legal proceedings, particularly those who are impoverished or marginalized, have the support and representation they need to defend themselves effectively. Without access to competent legal defense, vulnerable populations are at a significant disadvantage, which can lead to unjust outcomes in trials and sentencing. Stevenson highlights instances where inadequate defense has resulted in wrongful convictions and disproportionate sentencing, arguing that systemic inequality persists when legal representation is not prioritized.

In contrast, the other options do not align with Stevenson's vision of justice. Increasing the prison population or funding law enforcement agencies might not directly address the issues of fairness and equity in the legal process. Likewise, strict enforcement of mandatory sentencing laws can lead to inflexible sentencing that does not take into account individual circumstances, further complicating the pursuit of justice.