What does Atticus tell scout about why the jury took so long to convict Tom
John Castro
Published Apr 12, 2026
What does Atticus tell Scout about why the jury took so long to convict Tom? Atticus tells Scout that a Cunningham was on the jury and didn’t want to convict Tom. This Cunningham thought that Tom was innocent. The jury actually had to think about the conviction before they did it.
What did Atticus reveal about the jury in Tom's case?
In the courtroom: Jem simply can’t understand how the jury could convict Tom, and Atticus shocks him with the revelation that “‘when it’s a white man’s word against a black man’s, the white man always wins. ‘” Atticus further reveals the jury’s mindset when he explains why Tom wasn’t at least given a lighter sentence.
What did Atticus tell the jury it was their duty to do?
Atticus tells the jury that there is no place for racism in a courtroom, and they should treat Tom Robinson like any other defendant and acquit him. Atticus is an outstanding lawyer. He is chosen to defend Tom Robinson because he is an honest man and a hard worker.
What is Atticus response to Jem's question about how the jury could have convicted Tom?
What is Atticus’ response to Jem’s question about how the jury could have convicted Tom? He says “I don’t know but they did it.They’ve done it before and they did it tonight and they’ll do it again and when they do it – seems that only children weep.”What does Atticus tell Scout about the Tom Robinson?
Atticus tells Scout this so that she will realize that his choice to defend Tom Robinson is a moral choice. Atticus says that there is a case in every lawyer’s career that “affects him personally” (ch 9, p. 100). His point is that he takes the case seriously because it requires him to make a moral decision.
What is Atticus's last request for the jury?
Atticus Finch concludes his defense of Tom Robinson by asking the jury to set aside racial prejudice and consider what likely occurred between Tom and Mayella Ewell. Mayella has violated a societal norm by kissing a black man, and she is lying to hide the truth, Atticus says.
Why did Atticus put a Cunningham on the jury?
Why did Atticus put a Cunningham on the jury? It’s because he knew that they were fair-minded. Why does Aunt Alexandra object to Scout inviting Walter Cunningham to the house?
How does Atticus react to the verdict?
1.) How does Atticus react when the verdict is announced? Atticus is bothered by the verdict. … After Jem expresses disillusionment over the trial and the verdict, Miss Maudie defends the town and its people.How does Atticus explain the jury's decision?
He believes that the jury convicts innocent black men because their beliefs get in the way of justice. … Atticus is saying that they deserve a good jury. People of their social class deserve good treatment and a fair trial. People of a lower social class will get a jury that does not give them a fair trial.
What does Jem learn about the jury system in Chapter 23?Jem and Atticus discuss the justice of executing men for rape. The subject then turns to jury trials and to how all twelve men could have convicted Tom. Atticus tells Jem that in an Alabama court of law, a white man’s word always beats a black man’s, and that they were lucky to have the jury out so long.
Article first time published onHow has Atticus proven his credibility to the jury?
ETHOS How has Atticus proven his own credibility to the jury? … Atticus uses words like “honorable” and “great” because they elevate the importance of maintaining the long lived code of equality in the courts.
How else does Atticus plead with the jury?
Realizing that he is up against impossible odds, Atticus does all he can to remind the men that they do have a choice. He leaves them with the parting plea: “In the name of God, do your duty.” Then he whispers under his breath, begging the jury to believe him.
What does Atticus say he wants the jury to avoid using when they review the evidence?
When Dill and Scout return to the courtroom, Atticus is making his closing remarks. He has finished going over the evidence and now makes a personal appeal to the jury. … Atticus begs the jury to avoid the state’s assumption that all black people are criminals and to deliver justice by freeing Tom Robinson.
What chapter does Atticus say why he is defending Tom Robinson?
Atticus defends Tom Robinson (Chapter 9, page 99) Atticus feels that he has to do what’s right to be able to hold his head up or even have any authority over his children.
What does Atticus tell Scout about his reasons for defending Tom?
What does he do, and why? He means that your own conscience must tell you what is right or wrong, and it does not matter how many others agree or disagree with you. As Atticus explains to Scout, this is why he is defending Tom Robinson, even though most of the town thinks he is wrong for doing it.
Who accused Tom Robinson of raping his daughter?
Bob Ewell: An alcoholic, poverty-stricken, and abusive man, Bob Ewell deliberately and wrongfully accuses Tom Robinson of raping his daughter, and then tries to attack Scout and Jem after the trial.
What was significant about Cunningham's role in the jury deliberations?
What was significant about the Cunningham’s role in the jury deliberations? Even though they tried to lynch Tom Robinson, the Cunninghams were the hold-out during the jury deliberations. Cunninghams voted quickly to convict Tom Robinson. Cunninghams were bribed by the prosecutor.
Who kept the jury out so long in Tom's case and what is ironic about that?
Atticus reveals that the jury took so long because there was at least one juror who took a long time to agree with the guilty verdict passed by the others; in fact, Atticus discloses that to begin with this man ‘was raring for an outright acquittal’ (chapter 23).
Why does Lee Select a Cunningham?
He can relate to the prejudice against Tom’s race, having experienced the same prejudice against his own class. Scout’s recognition of Cunningham in the lynch mob would have reminded him of his connection to the Finches through the kindness to his son, and to himself, in former days.
What were Atticus closing remarks to the jury can Atticus's action during the closing argument be justified?
When the closing arguments come about, Atticus tells the people on the jury that they have to look past Tom being a black man and see him as just a man. He tells them it is their God given duty to do the right thing. He is trying to get them to do what is right and not what the town says.
What are the main points of Atticus's summation to the jury?
- No one sought out any medical help.
- The testimony of Bob and Mayella Ewell had serious suspicion to it.
- Whoever beat Mayella led exclusively with their left, while Tom Robinson’s hand was justifiably unfit for use.
- All men should be treated equal.
What was Atticus final plea?
In the name of God, do your duty. In his closing speech, Atticus attempts to convince the men on the jury to rise above their own racism, honor the principles of law, and arrive at a just verdict.
How does Atticus explain the verdict of the trial how does he have some hope that things are changing?
Atticus says that once the higher court reviews his case, Tom has a good chance of going free or at least receiving a new trial. According to Atticus, what is optimistic about Tom’s case? If he is found guilty on appeal, Tom will be sentenced to death. … As Atticus explains, “Tom Robinson’s a colored man, Jem.
Why didn't Atticus tell his children that he had to defend Tom Robinson that he was appointed by the court and didn't really have a choice about taking the case?
Why didn’t Atticus tell his children that he had to defend Tom Robinson, that he was appointed by the court and didn’t really have a choice about taking the case? Atticus wanted his kids to know that even when things get hard it is always good to do the right thing. … As the examination begins, Atticus’ table is bare.
What happened to Atticus after the trial?
After the guilty verdict, Atticus leaves the courtroom alone, and the African-Americans in the balcony stand up to honor him. After the trial, Atticus is bitter, but he hopes to win the case on appeal. Bob Ewell is also bitter, threatening Atticus in public and spitting in his face.
How does Atticus react to Bob Ewell's threat against him pp 292 293?
How does Atticus react to Bob Ewell’s threat against him? He let it go because he knew that he needed to blow off steam. … Atticus believes that they are nice people and Aunt Alexandra believes that they are trash. You just studied 3 terms!
How does Atticus feel when the verdict is announced quizlet?
How does Atticus feel right after the verdict is announced? After the verdict is announced, while he is not surprised, Atticus is very bitter. He knows the people of this town are changing, but they were wrong to have just killed an innocent man due to their racist ways.
Why does Atticus ask Tom about his previous trouble with the law?
Why does Atticus mention Tom’s previous record of conviction? To show that he had nothing to hide. The only trouble in his entire life was 1 fight. He didn’t have the money to pay the fine and had to stay in jail.
What does Jem believe the justice system should get rid of in Chapter 23 *?
As Atticus explains, “Tom Robinson’s a colored man, Jem. … He concludes that the system should “do away with juries.” Atticus disagrees, offering what he believes is a better way: “Change the law.
What came between the jury and reason?
What is the thing that comes between people and reason? An Old Sarum, Cunningham “connection” served on the jury. This surprises Jem because, “‘One minute they’re tryin’ to kill him and the next they’re tryin’ to turn him loose...'” (118).
What does Atticus tell Jem after the trial?
Atticus tells Jem not to be disheartened because he will appeal Tom’s case, and they stand a much better chance of winning on appeal. The neighborhood is abuzz with talk of the trial, and Miss Stephanie questions the children relentlessly until Miss Maudie sides with Atticus and puts an end to the discussion.