Mayella Ewell Trial

This past week, without doubt, has been nothing short of a heated one here in Maycomb. As of recent, Thomas Robinson, a twenty-five year-old Negro, was put on trial for the accused rape of nineteen year-old Mayella Ewell. Judge Taylor covered the trial, with Solicitor Mr. Gilmer prosecuting, and Mr. Finch covering defense for Mr. Robinson. The trial begun with Sheriff Heck Tate retelling his account. He details Mr. Ewell reporting the rape of Mayella Ewell on November 21st, her sustained injuries, including a choice of not calling a doctor due to financial issues. Afterwards begun Mr. Ewell’s testimony; he reports returning home from logging to find Ms. Ewell screaming from the house, and Mr. Robinson raping her. Mr. Ewell, in further questioning from Mr. Finch, confirms her injuries and, albeit

Ewell begun her testimony. With much emotional difficulty, she struggles but tells a shaky account of how she called in Mr. Robinson to the house to chop some furniture, when she was suddenly attacked. Mr. Finch then questioned Ms. Ewell with inquiries about her personal life, and brings up previously stated injuries to which Ms. Ewell struggles to confirm. Mr. Finch also points out Mr. Robinson’s left hand is heavily crippled from previous permanent injury. Ms. Ewell after this refuses to answer a series of questions from Mr. Finch, then refuses any more questioning at all. A short break is called before Mr. Robinson’s testimony. He reports going to the property after being called in to chop furniture, then to grab something for Ms. Ewell when suddenly she grabs him and kisses him. He then tells of Mr. Ewell cursing at Ms. Ewell at the sight of this. Lastly, Mr. Robinson runs, in his fear of being convicted of a crime he didn’t commit, and this is the last of testimonies. Mr. Finch lastly addresses the court with a speech about the unreliability of this evidence, and morals regarding Negroes. After a long while, the jury fully supports the final verdict: