Tom Robinson was a black man convicted of rape at a time when the Jim Crow laws were at their most potent, thus there was a large power divide between the white population and the black one. Since the jury was composed of all white men the odds facing Atticus’s success in this case where astronomical. However, Atticus chooses to take the case. In taking the case alone Atticus demonstrates great social courage, for social courage is when you persevere to the end of a task despite social adversity and pushback. This pushback is shown by multiple instances in which Jem and Scout are made fun of for their father is a “n****r lover”.
It was obviously an unfair trial. The evidence seemed undebatable in Tom’s favor yet the vote did not reflect it. At this Jem’s, “face was streaked with angry tears as we made our way through the cheerful crowd. ‘It ain’t right,’ he muttered, all the way to the corner of the square where we found Atticus waiting(Pg.
President Lincoln’s believed that “all men are created equal”. While Atticus attempted to provide the jurors with a sense of duty and to take the high road, they did not recognize Tom Robinson as an equal in the courts. In the novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus argues against Maycomb’s racial values to defend Tom Robinson through the use of logical reasoning and emotional appeal. Atticus uses logos in an attempt to explain why Tom could not have been guilty. He begins his speech by saying that there was not enough evidence for the court to even come to trial, stating, “The State has not produced one iota of medical evidence that the crime Tom Robinson is charged with ever took place.” He points out that the evidence shows that Mayella
Throughout his closing arguments, Atticus is constantly trying to show both the jury and the people of Maycomb why this case should never have gone to trial and he does so with a lot of emotional appeal. An example of this is seen when he states “To begin with, this case should never have come to trial. This case is as simple as black and white” (271). This quote uses powerful language such as the phrase “as simple as black and white” which shows how a case with seemingly blatant evidence proving Tom Robinson’s innocence, is undermined by the prejudice which exists in society at the time. Atticus argues that the whole reason this case had ever gotten to this point is because of the racial inequality in Maycomb and throughout the country at the time.
In this time, white people thought of black people as lower than them and did not treat them fairly. Atticus did not act with this arrogance towards people of color. He believed all men deserved equal treatment. Therefore, he accepted the job. All people who dive into this story agree that Atticus is an exceptional lawyer.
Atticus is an idealist and knows what is right and what is wrong. Atticus shows the importance of compassion and doing the right thing. “Atticus insists the truth about what occured at the Ewell house will be heard in court. This further illustrates his integrity” (Text
Tom Robinson, a commonly known friendly man, was a victim from this injustice and was torn down by the law because he wasn 't judged on evidence brought to light but rather because the man was black. Even when the justice system is built to be blind, Atticus words ot perfectly in Ch.20 p.274 "A court is only as sound as its jury, and a jury is only as sound as the men who make it up." What Atticus means is that no matter what evidence is presented, no matter what alibi is said or any situation explained, it won 't matter to a biased jury. Juries are based on being unbiased, all going into a case with an open mind, willing to look at evidence and give a fair sentence. In Maycomb, their culture is not based on equality, but racial superiority.
He was “born and bred” (Lee 5) and “related by blood or marriage to nearly every family in the town” (Lee 5) he can afford to offend Maycomb’s people, nevertheless, he will be reelected to the state legislature as every year. Atticus knows what he is getting into by taking on this case, and he knows that he cannot win against the racial animus. As a result, the social fabric in which the trial will take place, illustrates the typical class stratification in which racism and inequality rule. 3.2 The Trial – Its rights and structure The previous analysis depicted an environment of racialism and racism, where people aim to enforce their white supremacy when the trial of Tom Robinson begins. A traditional court in the United States usually consists of the representative of the jurisdiction of state, federal or local level.
Tom Robinson did receive a fair trial; however, he was not fairly judged. Atticus ensured that he had the best chance of being found innocent. By showing plenty of evidence, and having strong statements. He was also able to prove his evidence throughout the trial, though a set of carefully planned questions and demonstrations. Tom was given the best lawyer in Maycomb; regardless, Tom was still found
That is when Miss Maudie explains why it's a sin to kill a mockingbird. Explaining to Jem and Scout that the mockingbird only sings its heart out for us. This also goes into the court case that Atticus is working on. Tom Robinson is convicted of rape when it is proven that he did nothing and it was Bob Ewell that gave Mayella Ewell, his own daughter all the injuries. Tom Robinson was later sentenced guilty and only because of the racism in the town, which is completely unfair in society and the only one that really seems to recognize it is Atticus.