Publications
Publications
- January 2024 (Revised June 2024)
- HBS Case Collection
Equal Justice Initiative: Mercy, Truth and Dignity
By: V. Kasturi Rangan, Gerald Chertavian and Brittany Logan
Abstract
In 1989, the Equal Justice Initiative was established as a non-profit, public interest law firm by Harvard Law School graduate, Bryan Stevenson.
EJI provides legal assistance to condemned prisoners, people wrongly convicted or unfairly sentenced, children in the criminal justice system, and the mentally ill and disabled facing imprisonment. EJI simultaneously works to increase knowledge and awareness of the connections between the nation’s history of racial injustice and the current era of mass incarceration and inequality for people of color.
As EJI looks ahead to its 35th year, Bryan Stevenson was clear in his mind that addressing poverty was just as important as legal support to ensure justice. He and his senior team were convinced that EJI's new foray into hunger was by no means a mission drift, it was a core component of their work, and they were determined to scale the initiative, first in Alabama, and then throughout the country.
The case tracks the journey of EJI and its evolution from a pure public interest law firm to one of the nation’s leaders on racial justice and civil rights. The case explores several important themes of the course including narrative change, proximity and leverage points.
EJI provides legal assistance to condemned prisoners, people wrongly convicted or unfairly sentenced, children in the criminal justice system, and the mentally ill and disabled facing imprisonment. EJI simultaneously works to increase knowledge and awareness of the connections between the nation’s history of racial injustice and the current era of mass incarceration and inequality for people of color.
As EJI looks ahead to its 35th year, Bryan Stevenson was clear in his mind that addressing poverty was just as important as legal support to ensure justice. He and his senior team were convinced that EJI's new foray into hunger was by no means a mission drift, it was a core component of their work, and they were determined to scale the initiative, first in Alabama, and then throughout the country.
The case tracks the journey of EJI and its evolution from a pure public interest law firm to one of the nation’s leaders on racial justice and civil rights. The case explores several important themes of the course including narrative change, proximity and leverage points.
Keywords
Equality and Inequality; Nonprofit Organizations; Mission and Purpose; Growth and Development Strategy; Social Issues; Race
Citation
Rangan, V. Kasturi, Gerald Chertavian, and Brittany Logan. "Equal Justice Initiative: Mercy, Truth and Dignity." Harvard Business School Case 524-055, January 2024. (Revised June 2024.)