Should Atticus Defend Tom Robinson

• Justice and Fairness
• Challenging Racial Prejudices
• The Principles of the Legal System
• Conclusion
• Bibliography

Justice and Fairness: Why Did Atticus Defend Tom Robinson?

So, why did Atticus go ahead and defend Tom Robinson? This question is like the heart of Harper Lee's famous book, "To Kill a Mockingbird." Atticus Finch, this small-town lawyer from Maycomb, Alabama, had folks talking about him for choosing to stand up for Tom Robinson—a black man accused of raping a white woman. Let's dive into why Atticus made that choice. We'll see that he was all about justice, standing by legal principles, and shaking up racial prejudices in his town.

Atticus believed strongly in justice and fairness. I mean, throughout the whole book, he's shown as a guy who values truth more than anything else. He knows everyone deserves a fair shot in court—no matter their race or status. Atticus gets that Tom Robinson deserves a proper defense despite the racist vibes all around Maycomb. By defending him, Atticus is doing his job as a lawyer but also fighting for what's right.

Remember when he told his kids, Scout and Jem: "Simply because we were licked a hundred years before we started is no reason for us not to try to win"? That line says it all about how much he believes in fighting for justice—even when things look bleak. He's aware that it's an uphill battle because of deep-seated racism, but that's exactly why he defends Tom. It's about giving everyone a chance.

Challenging Racial Prejudices: Standing Up Against Injustice

Another big reason why Atticus defended Tom was to challenge racial biases in Maycomb. This town is super divided along racial lines; it's rough being black there. But Atticus isn't buying into that nonsense. He believes people are equal and won't just follow the racist attitudes everyone else has.

His defense of Tom Robinson is like waving a big flag against injustice. By taking this case, Atticus puts a spotlight on Maycomb's prejudice and shows how hypocritical they are about justice and equality. His decision wasn't just about representing someone legally; it was also about making a statement against racism and pushing for change.

The Principles of the Legal System: Upholding What's Right

Atticus's choice to defend Tom also connects with his respect for the legal system's principles. As a lawyer, he's aware that the system's got its flaws—but he believes in its potential for fairness. By defending Tom Robinson, he's pointing out where the system falls short when dealing with race issues.

His strategy? It’s all about building a strong case and questioning the prosecution's witnesses hard. He looks at evidence closely and raises questions where things don't add up. With these legal moves, Atticus aims to show how biased things can get in court—especially with racial tensions involved.

Conclusion: A Stand for Justice and Equality

Wrapping it all up: Atticus’s decision to defend Tom was driven by his commitment to justice, his fight against racial bias, and his dedication to the legal system’s ideals. He knew it was crucial to give fair representation to someone unfairly accused due to skin color. Through this defense, Atticus became a symbol of hope against Maycomb’s prevailing racism—a reminder that even one person can make waves for justice against great odds.

Bibliography

• Lee, Harper. To Kill a Mockingbird. Harper Perennial Modern Classics, 2002.
• SparkNotes Editors. “SparkNote on To Kill A Mockingbird.” SparkNotes.com., SparkNotes LLC., 2002.
• CliffsNotes.com Staff Writers (2019). To Kill a Mockingbird Summary - CliffsNotes.
• Carter & Spurlin (2009). Harper Lee’s To Kill A Mockingbird: New Essays.
• Nelle Harper Lee Biography | American Masters PBS (2016).