Just Mercy

by

Bryan Stevenson

District Attorney Ted Pearson Character Analysis

Pearson is the state prosecutor at the time of Walter’s indictment. He cooperates with police to suppress evidence and works with the courts to secure an all-white jury in Walter’s case. Stevenson speculates that Pearson, who is soon to retire, wants to end his career with a successful prosecution in a high profile murder.
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District Attorney Ted Pearson Character Timeline in Just Mercy

The timeline below shows where the character District Attorney Ted Pearson appears in Just Mercy. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 3: Trials and Tribulations
Systemic Power, Oppression, and Dehumanization Theme Icon
Empathy, Mercy, and Humanization Theme Icon
...moves Myers to another prison on the same day, filing no paperwork with the prison. District Attorney Ted Pearson is soon to retire, and Stevenson speculates that Pearson sees Walter’s upcoming prosecution as the... (full context)
Systemic Power, Oppression, and Dehumanization Theme Icon
Media and Public Opinion Theme Icon
...standard motion to have Walter’s case moved to avoid local bias, they were surprised when Ted Pearson supported their request and even more surprised when Judge Key approved it. Key moved Walter’s... (full context)
Resistance and Advocacy Theme Icon
Systemic Power, Oppression, and Dehumanization Theme Icon
Media and Public Opinion Theme Icon
At Walter’s trial, Ted Pearson uses preemptory strikes to eliminate all but one of the black jurors. Myers gives his... (full context)
Chapter 5: Of the Coming of John
Systemic Power, Oppression, and Dehumanization Theme Icon
...offer. He arranges to meet with the state’s new District Attorney, Tom Chapman. Unlike former District Attorney Ted Pearson , Chapman has a history in defense, so Stevenson is optimistic. (full context)
Chapter 7: Justice Denied
Resistance and Advocacy Theme Icon
Systemic Power, Oppression, and Dehumanization Theme Icon
Empathy, Mercy, and Humanization Theme Icon
...as retaliation by the state. He says he had come clean to several officials, including Ted Pearson . Stevenson considers the immense implications of this corruption. Myers dramatically warns: “they’ll try to... (full context)