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  • Essay / Atticus' defense strengths in To Kill a Mockingbird

    Imagine being a defense attorney in a small southern town in the 1930s, assigned to defend a black man accused of raping a white woman . This was the challenge faced by Atticus Finch, the protagonist of Harper Lee's novel, To Kill a Mockingbird. Atticus' defense strategy speaks to his strengths as a lawyer, demonstrating his ability to navigate a racist society and stand up for justice. In this essay, we will analyze the various strengths of Atticus's defense, exploring his unwavering integrity, skillful cross-examination, and compelling final argument. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay One of the main strengths of Atticus's defense is his unwavering integrity. Throughout the trial, Atticus remains determined in his pursuit of justice, despite fierce opposition from the community. He understands that his role as a defense attorney is to ensure a fair trial for his client, regardless of prevailing racial biases. Atticus's unwavering integrity is evident when he chooses to defend Tom Robinson, a black man accused of raping Mayella Ewell, a white woman. In one case, Atticus confronts racist members of the community who threaten him and his family. He refuses to back down, even when his own safety is in danger. Atticus's unwavering integrity not only strengthens his defense, but also serves as a moral compass to his children, Scout and Jem, who witness their father's unwavering commitment to justice. Another strength of Atticus's defense lies in his skillful cross-examination of prosecution witnesses. Atticus' ability to ask pointed questions and point out inconsistencies in witnesses' testimony is crucial to undermining the prosecution's case. Through his cross-examination, Atticus reveals the truth and casts doubt on the credibility of the witnesses. For example, during Mayella Ewell's testimony, Atticus skillfully questions her about the events leading up to the alleged rape. By asking for specific details and pointing out contradictions in his statements, Atticus manages to sow doubt in the minds of the jury. His cross-examination exposes the possibility that Mayella's father, Bob Ewell, is the real culprit and provides an alternative explanation for the alleged crime. Atticus' closing argument is yet another strong point in his defense. In his final speech to the jury, Atticus makes an impassioned plea for justice, appealing to the jurors' moral sense and asking them to put aside their racial prejudices. His eloquent words and powerful rhetoric leave a lasting impact on the jury, challenging them to do what is right. Atticus' final argument is particularly notable for its emphasis on the concept of empathy. He encourages jurors to see beyond the color of Tom Robinson's skin and see him as a human being deserving of a fair trial. Atticus' closing argument not only appeals to the jurors' sense of justice, but also highlights the larger societal problem of racial inequality. In conclusion, Atticus Finch's defense in To Kill a Mockingbird highlights his strengths as a lawyer. His unwavering integrity, skillful cross-examination and compelling closing argument contribute to a strong defense that challenges Maycomb County's racial bias. Atticus's defense not only serves as a powerful example of legal advocacy, but also highlights the importance of standing up for justice, even in the face of adversity. By defending Tom Robinson, Atticus encourages readers to reconsider, 1960.