Article on Toms Trial (to Kill a Mockingbird)

Maycomb Toms Trial August 26 1935 The sentence on Tom Robinson's trial has been stated today. For those of you who are just learning about the case: Tom Robinson, a young black man, is accused of rape by Mayella Ewell, a 19 year old girl. The trial began with Judge Taylor's presiding and then Heck Tate,1st officer of the county, began by testifying. He began with saying that on November 21 Bob Ewell, father of victim and 7 other children, came to him claiming Mayella had been raped by Mr. Robinson. He continued with saying how him and Mr. Ewell had went to the Ewell household where Miss Ewell was lying on the floor and looked beat down. He asked her who did it and she claimed Mr. Robinson was responsible for her rape and of her ill state. Atticus Finch ,father of two, is a well respected lawyer who was representing Mr. Robinson. Mr. Finch made a surprisingly astonishing case for Mr. Robinson however the case could not change the color of his skin which in this time in age concludes many cases of this sort. Atticus asked very frequently if and why Mr. Tate and Mr. Ewell did not call for a doctor to examine his child, to which Mr. Tate answered,"Well I can tell you why I didn't. It was necessary, Mr. Tate. She was mighty banged up. Something sho' happened, it was obvious." Next to the stand was Bob Ewell who answered Mr. Gilmer, social solicitor, questions in a very bold manner and explained that he heard Mayella screaming while he was kindling. He ran to the house and looked through the window to see Mr. Robinson on top of his daughter. Mr. Ewell resumed with saying he couldn't go after Mr. Robinson since he was concerned for his daughter. He said he went after Mr. Tate and brought him to his home. Mr. Finch began his cross-examination and Mr. Ewell seemed very careful to answer the question. They talked about the injuries Miss Ewell had and Atticus asked the simple question can you read and write which soon build up tension in the hot room. |