Innocence Project 2020

In the book To Kill a Mockingbird there are many moments of injustice, the biggest one was the trial of Tom Robinson, a black man accused of raping a white woman. In the trial, Tom was wrongfully convicted of raping Mayela Ewell. It was made clear that she was beaten by her father and was ashamed of that fact. Because of this, she went against the constitution just to cover up her actions.  In this trial, many unconstitutional acts have been committed against Tom. one of which was, perjury. During the case, she was actively lying about the actions of Tom Robinson. “All right, why didn’t you run? I tried to. Tried to? What kept you from it? I-he slung me down. That's what he did, he slung me down and got on top of me.” In this testimony, Mayela lied about Tom being there and giving her those injured in reality it was her dad who dad and made her testify. During the trial, they broke the sixth amendment. It states that In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy th...

“We’ve done business in this court for years and years, and Mr. Finch is always courteous to everybody. He’s not trying to mock you, he’s trying to be polite. That’s just his way” (207). (Atticus tries to love everybody equally, including while on defense. He will treat them with respect even if he knows deep down that they are lying). “I never heard Atticus raise his voice in my life, except to a deaf witness” (195). (To keep the witness calm and sharp, Atticus never visibly becomes angry in court. He treats the witness with dignity up until the end). “Can’t see what witness’s literacy has to do with the case, irrelevant’n’immaterial.”… ”Judge, if you’ll allow the question plus another one you’ll soon see.”  (Atticus uses small questions not obviously related to the crime to get real answers, not lies. Eventually the questions connect and the truth is told).  “Atticus was showing the jury that Tom had nothing to hide” (217). (Atticus use’s ...

CONFIDENTIAL PSYCHOLOGICAL REPORT For professional use only Name: Mayella Ewell Birth date: Unknown Age: 19 Date of Examination: July 12, 1935 Education: Unknown Examiner: Naomi Delavan PURPOSE FOR EVALUATION: Mayella Ewell was reported to have been beaten and raped by Thomas Robinson on November 21, 1934. During the trial of Thomas Robinson, reports of the events that the trial concerned varied from witness to witness. It is possible that Mayella’s state of mental health could have something to do with the testimony she gave. BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Mayella lives with her father and seven siblings, of whom she is the oldest. Mayella’s mother died some years ago, though it is unknown specifically when. Her father is unemployed, and has been known to drink. The Ewell family lives off of a provided monthly relief check that does not provide enough to support the family. Mr. Robert Ewell (Father) is left handed, as pointed out by Atticus F...

   The Maycomb Tribune     Thursday, October 10th, 1935           By Ben Wintraub and Braxton Underwood From the Journal of Atticus Finch: 12 Tricks of the Trade 1. Don’t bear grudges about what happens in a trial. “You will not touch him,’ Atticus said flatly. ‘I don’t want either of you bearing a grudge about this thing, no matter what happens.” pg. 179 2. Pay attention to the small details, especially if there are discrepancies between the witnesses. “Wait a minute, Sheriff,’ said Atticus. ‘Was it her left facing you or her left looking the same way as you were?” pg. 192 3. Never raise your voice in court.  “I never heard Atticus raise his voice in my life, except to a deaf witness.” pg. 195 4. Be amiable and make the witness feel comfortable. This will lull the witness into a false sense of security. “Just a minute, sir’ said Atticus genially. “Could I ask you a question or two?” pg. 199 “It was...

Mayella was reported to child protective services. This is her report. 

Atticus' School Of Law  ¨Wait a minute, Sheriff, said Atticus. Was it her left facing you or her left looking the same way you were?¨ Page225 in the small book. Inference: Don't ever loophole the answer to a question so it can be interpreted two ways. Please check back tomorrow for more! 3/6/20

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 gre...