To Kill A Mockingbird Essay: The Tom Robinson Trial

The Tom Robinson trial that occurred during the summer of this year was a result of an accusation of rape against Robinson by the Ewell family. According to Sheriff Heck Tate’s testimony, he was called to the Ewell residence on the night of November 21st. He found Miss Mayella Ewell beaten up and sprawled on the ground. “Found her lying on the floor in the middle of the front room, one on the right as you go in”(190). After questioning by Robinson’s lawyer, Atticus Finch, he stated that despite Miss Ewell’s injuries, a doctor had not been called. “‘Did you call a doctor, Sheriff? Did anybody call a doctor?’ asked Atticus. ‘No sir,’ said Mr. Tate”(190). Next, was Bob Ewell’s testimony, which besides the information Tate had already presented, he also stated he saw the suspect to be Robinson. “Mr. Ewell’s face grew scarlet. He stood up and pointed his finger at Tom Robinson”(196). Following Ewell was his daughter. Mrs. Mayella Ewell’s testimony relayed the above information along with the details of the crime. However, when Finch questioned Ewell, Finch began to find uncertainties in Ewell’s account. “‘Do you remember him beating you about the face?’ ‘No, I don’t recollect if he hit me. I mean yes I do, he hit me.’ ‘Was that last

According to Robinson, he had often entered the Ewell’s fence for some task given by Miss Ewell. “She’d call me in, suh. Seemed like every time I passed by yonder she’d have some little somethin’ for me to do—choppin’ kindlin’, totin’ water for her”(218). He denied all of the accusations given by the prosecution. Robinson claimed that he was invited into the house, when Miss Ewell hugged and kissed him. Shortly after, Mr. Ewell arrived and yelled something before Robinson took off and ran away. “I didn’t wanta harm her, Mr. Finch, an’ I say lemme pass, but just when I say it Mr. Ewell yonder hollered through th’ window… Mr. Finch, I was runnin’ so fast I didn’t know what