Answer :
Final answer:
McMillian and Myers' initial placement on death row is likely considered shocking due to potential miscarriages of justice, racial bias, and complex justice system outcomes in death penalty cases, shedding light on the intricacies and controversy surrounding capital punishment.
Explanation:
The question 'Why was McMillian and Myers initial placement on death row especially shocking?' relates to the complexity and potential failings of the legal system, particularly regarding the imposition of the death penalty. While the details of McMillian and Myers' case are not provided directly, it can be inferred from the context provided that their placement on death row was considered shocking due to a combination of factors including potential miscarriages of justice, racial bias, as seen in other cases such as the murder trials of Emmett Till's accused killers, and the tendency of legal systems to produce controversial outcomes in capital punishment cases. As historian Carter G. Woodson puts it, 'Those who have no record of what their forebearers have accomplished lose the inspiration which comes from the teaching of biography and history.'
Additionally, the military trials regarding civilian deaths and the response to Lieutenant William Calley's conviction illustrate that, in matters of justice, especially where the death sentence is concerned, societal and individual perceptions of morality, command responsibility, and the burden of actions taken during conflict can deeply impact views on the appropriate punishment. In essence, the legal system's ability to administer fair and unbiased justice in death penalty cases is of paramount importance, yet historical cases reveal the complex and sometimes shocking outcomes of legal proceedings with such high stakes.
