Great Decisions

GP Large Room

This session will include a discussion of the book, The Plea: The True Story of Young Wesley Elkins and His Struggle for Redemption, with the local authors, Patricia Bryan and Thomas Wolf. The book tells the story of an 11-year-old boy in late 19th century Iowa who murdered his abusive parents and was sentenced to life in an adult prison. The book explores the social context in which his actions occurred, the community and legal battles that ensued, and how he lived his life. A panelist, Burcu Hensely, will respond and discuss parallels to contemporary issues in achieving justice for juvenile offenders.

Panelists include: Patricia Bryan, JD, LLM, Henry P. Brandis Distinguished Professor of Law, UNC; Thomas Wolf, MFA, Free-lance author; Burcu Hensley, JD, Assistant Juvenile Defender in NC Office of the Juvenile Defender.