How could this be so, I wondered, as I read Mr. Underwood's editorial. Senseless killing-- Tom had been given due process of law to the day of his death; he had been tried openly and convicted by twelve good men and true; my father had fought for him all the way. Then Mr. Underwood's meaning became clear: Atticus had used every tool available to free men to save Tom Robinson, but in the secret courts of men's hearts Atticus had no case. Tom was a dead man the minute Mayella Ewell opened her mouth and screamed. Harper Lee
About This Quote

Atticus Finch's (played by Gregory Peck) editorial in the May 26, 1954, issue of The New York Times is an insightful and powerful indictment of the corrupt justice system. Atticus is not only speaking out against the injustices done to Tom Robinson; he is also speaking up for the people of Maycomb, Alabama, who are helpless to do anything more than watch their sons and daughters go to jail.

Source: To Kill A Mockingbird

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