Articles/Essays
How do peoples' experiences and perceptions shape our understanding of justice and mercy?
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Choose at least one of the articles or essays below to read. Located at the bottom of the page is a supplemental activity you can use to take notes as you read.
Several of the first ten amendments explicitly outline principles related to justice, due process, and legal protections:
Fifth Amendment: Protects against self-incrimination, double jeopardy, and guarantees due process of law.
Sixth Amendment: Ensures the right to a fair and speedy trial, an impartial jury, legal counsel, and the ability to confront witnesses.
Eighth Amendment: Prohibits excessive bail, excessive fines, and cruel and unusual punishment
How should societies respond to wrongdoing? When a crime occurs or an injustice is done, what needs to happen? What does justice require?
The satirical piece "Wealthy Teen Nearly Experiences Consequences" from The Onion mocks the justice system's tendency to treat affluent individuals leniently. It humorously reports that a rich teenager barely avoided facing any repercussions for his reckless behavior, thanks to his family's influence and wealth. The article underscores societal inequality by exaggerating how easily the privileged escape accountability.
***Please note this is a work of fictional satire
Article 78 agues that justice should be impartial and independent of personal feelings.
Discover the untold story of mythology's most famous "monster" in the exhibition "More than a Monster: Medusa Misunderstood," curated by Elizabeth Hadley. This showcase moves beyond her famous beheading to explore Medusa's overlooked past as a maiden and her modern evolution into a symbol of female power.
The attached activity can be used to help you take notes while reading these articles. Feel free to "make a copy" to fill in on your own.
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