What does Stevenson argue regarding poverty and its relation to the justice system?

Stevenson emphasizes that poverty significantly contributes to inadequate legal representation within the justice system. He illustrates how individuals from low-income backgrounds often lack access to quality legal resources, which can result in poor defense during trials. This inadequacy is exacerbated by systemic issues, such as public defenders being overworked and under-resourced, leading to insufficient attention to individual cases. Furthermore, the lack of financial means can prevent defendants from hiring private attorneys who may provide more effective defense strategies.

Throughout "Just Mercy," Stevenson highlights numerous examples where the intersection of poverty and the justice system leads to unfair trials and wrongful convictions. Many individuals facing severe charges may not receive the rigorous legal defense that wealthier counterparts would typically secure, thus perpetuating cycles of injustice and exacerbating the consequences of socioeconomic disparities. This argument serves as a critical point in advocating for reform within the justice system to address these inequities.