To Kill a Mockingbird: Chapters 18-23

Lesson Plan - Get It!

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The statue of Lady Justice is an iconic symbol of fairness and impartiality.

Blindfolded and holding a set of scales, Lady Justice represents the idea that all people are equal before the law. The blindfold shows that justice should not consider race, class, or personal bias; it should be based purely on the facts of a case.

• But is justice blind?

In the United States, many people argue that justice is not always as impartial as the statute suggests. Race, social status, and power can sometimes affect the application of the law.

This question is at the heart of To Kill a Mockingbird. Following Tom Robinson's trial, you must examine how the legal system treats people differently based on race and social position.

Is Justice Really Blind Today?

Think about the U.S. justice system today.

• Do you believe it is truly blind, as the statue suggests?
• Or do you think that biases still influence decisions made in courtrooms, police stations, and even in the media?

To deepen your understanding, explore Is The Justice System Really Blind? Experts Weigh In and read the opinions of several legal professionals about whether the legal system is truly blind to race and other biases.

1. Choose two opinions from the article: one with which you agree and one with which you disagree.

2. Write a paragraph explaining why you agree with one of the opinions and a second paragraph explaining why you disagree with the other opinion. Be sure to provide reasons and examples to support your arguments.

Then, return to the novel to explore Tom Robinson's ongoing trial in more depth.

You will need a copy of the novel for this series of Related Lessons. If you cannot find a copy at your library, school, or local bookstore, you can access an online version of To Kill a Mockingbird.

Tom Robinson's Trial: Fairness or Injustice?

As you read Chapters 18-23, you'll see the conclusion of the Tom Robinson case. The first two witnesses have testified, but now you'll encounter the final two people speaking on his and the accuser's behalf.

As you read, take notes on the following.

• What information do these new witnesses provide to the court?

Pay close attention to how each witness's testimony affects the case.

• What contradictions or inconsistencies can you identify?
• How does each person's role in Maycomb impact the way they testify?

• Do you believe either of the new witnesses' testimonies? Why or why not?

Consider the witnesses' motivations and position in the town's social hierarchy.

• How might these factors shape their perception of events?

The Verdict: Town Reactions and the Concept of Justice

As the jury deliberates and the verdict is delivered, the reaction in Maycomb is predictable but still profoundly unsettling.

• What does this reveal about the town's views on justice and race?

Take notes on how the city responds to the verdict and what it says about the relationship between the legal system and social inequality.

• How does the town's reaction to the trial reflect its racial and class divisions?

The trial is not just about Tom Robinson's innocence or guilt; it's a lens through which we see how deeply rooted racial prejudices and class divisions are in Maycomb.

• What do you think the verdict means for Maycomb's future?

Reflect on how the town's long-standing racial biases affect its ability to pursue true justice.

Conclusion: The Blindfolded Scales of Justice

As you progress through these chapters, you'll continue to confront whether justice is truly blind.

In To Kill a Mockingbird, the outcome of Tom Robinson's trial doesn't just reflect the failings of one individual case—it exposes the systemic inequalities within the community.

Lady Justice may wear a blindfold, but in Maycomb, her scales are anything but balanced. This lesson will help you think critically about the connections between the past and present and how race continues to shape how justice is served in society.

Continue to the Got It? section to review chapters 18-23.