Similarities Between Scottsboro Boys And To Kill A Mockingbird

The 1900’s was a significant era for blacks, while a lot of laws were reformed and our rights were instated with distinct clarity, much loss was suffered to accomplish this. Two examples of such loss are the trial of Tom Robinson in the novel ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’, and the trial of Scottsboro Boy. One a tale and one a tragedy, but both depict the inequity that was that justice system of the 1900s. In To Kill a Mockingbird, Tom Robinson, is being tried for the rape of Mayella Ewell, daughter of Bob Ewell. In the trial of the Scottsboro boys, nine young black man were wrongfully incarcerated. They were accused of raping two white women, Ruby Bates and her friend Victoria Price. There were multiple trials, and they all were found guilty, even

“She and her companion, Victoria Price, had been gang-raped by the blacks.” Ruby Bates, along with her friend Victoria Price claimed they had been raped by the Scottsboro boys. ‘ Calpurnia sighed. “Old Mr. Bob Ewell accused him of rapin‘ his girl an’ had him arrested an‘ put in jail—” ‘ Bob Ewell accused Tom Robinson was of raping his daughter, Mayella Ewell. Another similarity shared, is that both the plaintiff's witnesses have inconsistent testimonies. “The two women also provided inconsistent accounts 160 of various details of the incident” Ruby Bates and Victoria Price’s testimonies were highly repugnant, to the extent where there were over 160 contradictions. “No, I don’t recollect if he hit me. I mean yes I do, he hit me.” “Was your last sentence your answer?” “Huh? Yes, he hit—I just don’t remember, I just don’t remember… it all happened so quick.” Mayella repeatedly contradicts herself when asked if Tom Robinson hit her. Even with such discrepancy, the defendants are ultimately found guilty. “The jury nonetheless returned five more death sentences.” All 9 of the Scottsboro boys were found guilty, 8 of which received the death penalty. “ A jury never looks at a defendant it has convicted, and when this jury came in, not one of them looked at Tom Robinson.” “Judge Taylor was polling the jury: “Guilty… guilty… guilty… guilty…” None of jury looked at Tom Robinson, implying that they unanimously voted