Justice In To Kill A Mockingbird

Renowned author James A. Baldwin once wrote, “It is certain, in any case, that ignorance, allied with power, is the most ferocious enemy justice can have” (Baldwin). The statement is based upon the theme that minorities are often silenced in their pleas for justice by those dissociated with their positions, and often hold more power. In short, justice will not be found if those giving it cannot feel empathy. This ideal can be found throughout Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird, in events such as Scout’s dispute with Francis, Arthur (Boo) Radley’s imprisonment, and Tom Robinson’s trial. Justice was first denied in Scout’s quarrel with her relative, Francis. Known for his spiteful comments towards Scout and the rest of her immediate family,

Without an explanation, Uncle Jack was unable to put himself in Scout’s position. Because of this, Scout did not receive justice until later, when she told him what Francis had said. Another similar exemplar of justice not being served was Arthur Radley (also known as Boo)’s imprisonment in his own house. As a teen, Boo was part of a gang, along with several other boys his age. Subsequent to one particular run-in with the law, the boys were convicted of several charges and were sentenced to be enrolled in the state industrial school. However, feeling as if his son was a disgrace, Mr. Radley (his father) hid Boo from the rest of the world (12-13). This punishment was hardly fitting, especially for a boy his age, but seemed only fair in the eyes of his guardian; he was a man who lacked empathy for his children and focused only on upholding the dignity and honor of his household. This resulted in the unjust retribution of his own son. The final example of unjust treatment was during Tom Robinson’s trial. Tom was a black man accused of raping Mayella Ewell, a white woman; however, he was only trying to help fix a door with broken