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How Is Atticus Finch A Champion Of Justice

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Recommended: To kill a mockingbird how characters are affected by racism

Betty Jiang
Thomas Lapiccirella
English 12
13 April 2023

Atticus Finch: A Champion of Justice and Fairness in To Kill a Mockingbird

“A Lawyer is either a social engineer or .. . a parasite on society...”,said Charles Hamilton Houston. Harper Lee’s novel “To Kill a Mockingbird,” Atticus Finch is just such a person who uses his own power to change social bias. In a nutshell, Atticus has strong commitment to fair and just treatment, and fight for the equitable rights of black individuals in the face of widespread unfairness and discrimination, who plays a crucial role that individual protests against stereotypes play in creating a civil society that respects and values marginalized communities, thereby promoting a culture of dignity and respect …show more content…

“In the ongoing debate over the appropriate standards for legal professionalism, critical attention has tended to focus on the age-old dialogue between those who defend the traditional position of lawyers as morally neutral agents of their clients and those who advocate a more activist role” (Joseph 5). Atticus is an example of the latter. Atticus says, “I do my best to love everybody… I’m hard put, sometimes—baby, it’s never an insult to be called what somebody thinks is a bad name. It just shows you how poor that person is, it doesn’t hurt you” (Lee 118). Atticus believes that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their race or social …show more content…

Through the character of Atticus Finch, the author demonstrates the importance of standing up against stereotypes and societal prejudices to create a more just and equitable community. Despite the challenges and dangers he faces, Atticus remains committed to treating all people, regardless of their race with respect and dignity. Atticus sets a powerful example of how individuals can use their voice and actions to promote positive change, eventually making society a better place for all. This novel serves as a reminder for us all to reflect on our own beliefs and actions, and to strive towards creating a more inclusive world where everyone is treated with fairness and

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Heroes are not invincible, and certainly are not the ones who always win; however, a hero is someone who, despite this, is courageous enough to fight for what is right. Atticus Finch, one of the most inspiring literary characters from the highly acclaimed novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, written by Harper Lee, is an example of such. This classic novel is told from the perspective of Scout Finch, Atticus’ daughter, a young girl who lives in the town of Maycomb County, Alabama, in the 1930s, a town where prejudice and discrimination is rife. Rather than succumbing to societal expectations and adopting the extreme animosity held by the other citizens, Atticus views and treats all with the dignity and respect that they are entitled to, guiding his

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If there were more people similar to Atticus Finch in today’s world equality among all people would be found in the near future. Relationships, opinions, and stress didn't come between Atticus and his beliefs; they shouldn't come between anyone else

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Isaiah says, “Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression…” (Isaiah 1:17, ESV). Following God’s will by doing good and correcting wrong defines Atticus Finch, a lawyer in Harper Lee’s book, To Kill a Mockingbird. Atticus defends an innocent black man, Tom Robinson, who was falsely accused of raping a white girl, Mayella Ewell. The trial takes place in the 1930’s in Maycomb, Alabama, a small racist town.

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He takes on the challenge, no matter what his town's standards Atticus keeps his head held high. Atticus Finch challenges prejudices and racism in Maycomb society, displaying courage when accepting a difficult court case, treating people of color equally, and bringing up his children well-rounded. Against society's standards, Atticus adopted

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A court is only as a sound as it jury, and a jury is only as a sound as the men who make it up….” (Lee 274). This quote explains a reason, Atticus did help a black man in front of many. If he did not want things to be equal, then why he would help him in the first place. Another example Atticus said, “A nigger-lover is just one of those terms that don 't mean anything—like

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You know all those stereotypes about lawyers being nasty, money-grubbing people? Well, meet Atticus Finch and Jake Brigance, two brave and courageous lawyers who stand up for righteousness and justice rather than the majority. The two characters are both southern American lawyers and loving fathers who fight against racism in their hometowns. They are both driven by an interior strength, and both are deathly loyal to their families who became targeted by those that disagreed with what the lawyers were attempting to do. In Harper Lee’s novel To Kill A Mockingbird and Joel Schumer’s movie A Time To Kill both lawyers express the similarities and differences through the way they defend their client, their experience as lawyers and the way they

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Atticus is a guy who once won a case for a black man in a rape trial, but now he attends the local Citizens ' Council, a patriarchal white organization dedicated to talking about the dangers of black people. These are the men who today would counter #blacklivesmatter with #whitelivesmatter, the men blind to their own privilege, the men threatened by anyone who isn 't a white male. It was also shocking for his daughter see his behavior , Scout states in Go Set A Watchman : “The one human being she had ever fully and wholeheartedly trusted had failed her , had betrayed her, publicly, grossly, and shamelessly”. Jean Louise immediately writes him off as a racist.

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From the late 1870s through the mid-1960s, Jim Crow laws affected many African Americans. With these laws, blacks were given very limited rights and were often victims of unfair judgment. In Harper Lee’s novel, To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus Finch, a highly educated lawyer, gets a case where he needs to defend a black man named Tom Robinson. Atticus faces many challenges, including judgment from the white community in his town and questions from his kids about the trial. Atticus demonstrates moral integrity, bravery, and empathy in response to conflict, which connects to the idea that one should achieve social justice by following morals, taking a stand when no one else will, and understanding other people’s perspectives.

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Atticus Finch is a well respected lawyer in Maycomb County. However, many individuals in the community turn their back on Atticus when he plans to defend an African American man, Tom Robinson, in court. Taking place in Alabama during the 1930s, “To Kill A Mockingbird” accurately portrays the hostile environment for

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Despite racial inequalities in the South, Atticus sticks to his own morals and agrees to be the defending lawyer for Tom Robinson, a black man being accused of raping a white woman. Although Atticus’ defense in court was thorough and clearly proved Tom’s innocence, the jury was prejudiced towards black folks and convicted Tom as guilty. Nonetheless, Atticus is still a hero despite losing the case. He has the courage to stand up for what he believes in, fights with reason rather than guns, and has utmost determination, making him a hero despite being just an average human being. Ultimately, his thoughts and actions set the stage for major changes in the meaning of equality throughout Maycomb County, changing lives of numerous people.

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Nonetheless, people in the real world face prejudice from the society for many reasons: race, gender, social class, etc. Upstanders such as Atticus need to put aside their own feelings and stand up for what is right. Thus, the community will achieve an atmosphere of peace and develop everlasting friendships. It is important to stand up for the truth and justice because “it is a sin to kill a mockingbird” (Lee

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He was appointed to defend a black man named Tom Robinson for raping Mayella Ewell. Most townsfolk caught news of this and instantly began to give Atticus dirty looks and began calling him vulgar names. Atticus, is a very nice person who wants to do the right thing, and he has an opinion about people who disagree with him defending Tom Robinson. “They’re certainly entitled to think they, and they’re entitled to full respect for their opinions.” (120).

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