Essay On Tom Robinson Trial

Based on the facts provided by each witness, the verdict of this trial should be: Not guilty. The following witnesses that prove Tom Robinson’s innocence are Mr. Heck Tate, Mayella Ewell, and Bob Ewell.

The Evidence from Mr.Tate’s testimony contradicts with Reverend Sykes’ inside story. When Mr. Tate was elaborating on Mayella’s bruises, he mentioned: “there were definite finger marks on her gullet” (226) and “were all around” (226) her neck. However, Sykes said his arm got “caught in a cotton gin” and it “tore all his muscles loose from his bones” (249). The physical condition of Tom Robinson’s arm was very likely to be noticed by the jury even though it wasn't necessarily spoken about. This can be said with surety as pragmatically if Scout

Mr. Ewell behaves immaturely when Atticus declared to the jury that he is left-handed. He immediately “turned angrily to the judge and said he didn't understand what his being left-handed had anything to do with it”(237). Bob conveys the impression of maliciousness as if he was trying to distract the jury from believing Atticus. He agrees with his left-handedness, but misinterprets when Mr.Gilmer asked him if he was “ambidextrous”(238) and unknowingly answered the question he could use”one hand as good as the other”(238). This, to a certain extent, created possibilities of Mr. Ewell to prove guilty. On the other hand, Bob Ewell displays arrogance, ignorance, and unreliability on the witness stand. Unsurprisingly, he wasn’t willing to admit to any information that could, in fact, make him look like a doubtful witness, this is also further displayed in Mayella Ewell’s testimony. Also, Bob’s failure to understand the significance of being left-handed and his crudity, his confusing testimony should have signaled the jury not to completely trust this

During Mayella’s testimony, the detail she provided the court with certainly contradicted each other. She pointed out, with an air of confidence “[she] sorta fainted an’ the next thing [she] knew Mr.Tate was pullin’ [her] up offa the floor”(242). She changed her statement when she claimed hesitantly,“Huh? Yes, he hit- I just don't remember” (248). Later, when Atticus indirectly accused Bob Ewell of the rape, she suddenly “became [more] articulate” of her claims saying, “That n----- yonder took advantage . . . you’re all yellow stinkin’ cowards.”(251). Somehow, the more she gained confidence the more the hostility could be ascertained through her tone of voice. She begins to contradict her story throughout the whole testimony, proving she is fabricating the whole incident. Perhaps, the reader could definitely agree with scout’s assumption of her “stealthy”(242) growing tenacity of memory. At some point during the trial, the words that came out of her mouth seemed influenced, as if Bob Ewell had a very strong control over Mayella’s every answer, especially when a claim was made against him. For instance, his body language changed when “he sat up straight” waiting fearfully for her to answer, and when she answered, which according to him was acceptable “he leaned back again”(245). Furthermore, when Tom testified, he restated Mayella in his own words: “what papa do to her don't count”(260). This is where she