preview

Tom Robinson Trial Essay

Decent Essays
Open Document

The court case of Tom Robinson Ignorance, the first word that comes to mind from the court case of Tom Robinson. In the novel To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Tom Robinson is accused of beating and raping Mayella Ewell. Charges are brought against him for these reasons. The punishment for being guilty is a death sentence, which is guaranteed due to racism against blacks such as Tom. Tom Robinson is not guilty because of his physical inability to beat Mayella Ewell, evidence that points the blame to another individual, and an odd decision that justifies his innocence, despite what the Jury concludes. Tom Robinson could not have bruised Mayella Ewell in the right side of her face. Scout processes Atticus's words - "Atticus was trying …show more content…

In the case, Atticus asks Mr. Ewell to write his name - '"What's so interestin'?" he asked. "You're left handed, Mr. Ewell," said Judge Taylor."'. By asking Mr. Ewell to write his name in front of court, Atticus proves to everybody that Bob could have very well beat Mayella. This is because he is left handed, and if he would have swung, would have hit her on the right side of her face (where she was bruised). Although it is questionable, we know that Mayella had a higher chance of being bruised by a strong left hand in the right side of her face than a weak, disfigured hand. Mayella herself talks about her father Bob - "I said he does tollable." Mr. Ewell leaned back again. "Except when he's drinking?" asked Atticus so gently that Mayella nodded."(245). Mayella seems somewhat in denial while wanting to admit the truth. This ultimately tells us that Mayella knows her father is not tolerable when he's drunk. If she is with him all the time, we know she is abusive because he his intolerable towards her in the form of his drinking. This also shows that he had a better chance of beating Mayella than Tom because he could have been drunk as he got home and beat her. Overall, this evidence points toward the fact that Bob Ewell could have beaten Mayella …show more content…

Although, it can be argued that these decisions really are coincidental and could be due to financial problems. "The witness said he never thought of it, he had never called a doctor to any of his' in his life, and if he had it would have cost him 5 dollars"(235). Bob Ewell might not have called the doctor because he was drunk or the suspect of beating his daughter. This is because of his abusive history and evidence that points toward him beating Mayella. But, it could also be because Mr. Ewell didn't have much experience with doctors, or was lacking in finances. Doctors are fairly expensive for the Ewell family that we know to be dirt poor. Although we can argue that the decision of Bob's testimonial about calling a doctor is subjective towards opinion, Mr. Tate's answers about calling a doctor are easier to conclude - "Well I can tell you why I didn't, it wasn't necessary. She was mighty banged up. Something sho' happened, it was obvious."(224). Mr. Tate is making excuses about not calling a doctor. We know this because he is a sheriff and should always be doing the right, safe thing. Which in this case would be top stop any further injuries from happening by calling a doctor. In fact, by being badly beaten he should have been in much more of a hurry to get medical aid. These unusual decisions can be taken from either Bob Ewell or Tom Robinson's sides, as their is proof for

Get Access