Atticus' School of Law

1. One approach that Atticus tends to take during a case is to trick his opposition into doing something for them to tell the full truth without even knowing it. “Would you write your name for us… You’re left-handed, Mr. Ewell.”

2. Atticus also tries to be relatable in a case to sway the judges as a final attempt. “Judge Taylor nodded, and then Atticus did something I never saw him do before or since, in public or in private: he unbuttoned his vest, unbuttoned his collar, loosened his tie, and took off his coat. He never loosened a scrap of his clothing until he undressed at bedtime, and to Jem and me, this was the equivalent of him standing before us stark naked.”

3. A third approach to his cases is his politeness. “He’s the same in the courtroom as he is on the public streets.”

4. Atticus is also not racist and believes everyone regardless of race should get an equal trial. “Our courts have their faults, as does Any Human Institution, but in this country our courts are the great levelers, and in our courts all men are created equal.”

5. Atticus also doesn’t get mad throughout the entire case and stays calm the whole way. He didn’t miss a beat while Mayella was being so rude to him. “You makin’ fun o’ me Mr. Finch?”