J.L. Chestnut and Bruce Boynton Character Analysis in Just Mercy

Chestnut and Boynton are the attorneys who are hired by Walter’s family to defend him during his original trials. Though they have a history of civil rights litigation, they fail to effectively investigate State and law enforcement corruption or to present sufficient evidence supporting Walter’s alibi. Years later, they testify on Walter’s behalf that they would have pursued evidence that was suppressed by the State.

J.L. Chestnut and Bruce Boynton Character Timeline in Just Mercy

The timeline below shows where the character J.L. Chestnut and Bruce Boynton appears in Just Mercy. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...family raises money and refinances their possessions to pay for two Selma civil rights attorneys, J.L Chestnut and Bruce Boynton . Monroeville officials disapprove of Walter hiring out-of-county defense, and they consider it evidence that... (full context)

...preemptory strikes is illegal, it is difficult to prove that the practice is occurring. When Chestnut and Boynton filed the standard motion to have Walter’s case moved to avoid local bias, they were... (full context)

...on the morning of Ronda’s death. Darnell explains that after Walter’s conviction, he had informed Chestnut and Boynton , but Judge Key had denied their motion for a new trial. Stevenson files a... (full context)

...Tate and Benson coerce him to continue. Stevenson finishes by calling on Walter’s trial lawyers, Boynton and Chestnut . Surprisingly, the prosecution offers no rebuttal. They must now await the judge’s ruling. Tired... (full context)