How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
When the old man and the other two robbers were all dead, this one—it proved the kind of animal he really was—stuffed the money into his pockets and celebrated the event by drinking over their still-bleeding bodies. (1.10)
This portrayal of Jefferson's actions is totally unfair. The prosecutor has no evidence of any of the motivations that he's sprinkling into his little tale. But his twisted words also twist the jury's minds, and that leaves Jefferson in an unfair position.
Quote #2
There was absolutely no proof that there had been a conspiracy between himself and the other two. (1.11)
Even though there is no proof of Jefferson's guilt, the presumption of innocence doesn't seem to apply when a white man is murdered by a black man. Justice is uneven at best in this novel.
Quote #3
The judge told Jefferson that he had been found guilty of the charges brought against him, and that the judge saw no reason that he should not pay for the part he played in this horrible crime. (1.19)
This all sounds fair and good, right. If you commit a horrible crime you should pay the price. Except when you didn't commit the horrible crime, as in Jefferson's case, and you have no hope for appealing because the cards are so stacked against you.