Atticus Defends Tom Robinson

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Atticus Finch, a lawyer and single parent in a small southern town in the 1930s, is appointed by the local judge to defend Tom Robinson, a young black man, who is falsely accused of raping a white woman. Friends and neighbors object when Atticus puts up a strong and spirited defense on behalf of the accused. Atticus defends Tom Robinson and stands up for what he believes in because if he did not, he would not only lose the respect of his children and the townspeople, but his self-respect, as well. Atticus believes in justice and the justice system. He knows before he begins that he's going to lose this case, but that doesn't stop him from giving Tom the strongest defense he possibly can.