Sidharth S Kumar

20010310

BA LLB (Hons.)

Section A – 2020 Batch

Law, Lawyer, and Justice in American Cinema

Research Paper

Lawful Lens, Compassionate Craft:

Dissecting the Enduring Allure of "To Kill a Mockingbird" as an
Evergreen Courtroom Masterpiece

Table of Contents

I. Introduction
II. Discussion
a. Unique Narrative Methodologies
b. Analyzing the Courtroom Proceedings
c. Probing the Moral Quandaries of “Lawyering in an Unjust Society”
d. Honor and the Necessity for Idealism in Law
e. Narrative Intersection of Society’s Mockingbirds
III. Conclusion

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 I. Introduction

Lauded as one of the greatest American novels of all time, the 1960 novel “To Kill a
Mockingbird” written by Harper Lee, has been for over half a century stood the test of time
as a literary classic,1 exploring the themes of racial injustice, morality, and the loss of
adolescent innocence and naivete. Due to its great cultural influence and critical success, the
novel was quickly adapted into a 1962 film,2 which has also now been recognized as a classic
piece of American cinema, especially in the genre of courtroom drama. Directed by Robert
Mulligan and starring Gregory Peck in an iconic portrayal of Atticus Finch, To Kill a
Mockingbird has cemented its place in the cultural consciousness of Americans as a powerful
exploration and juxtaposition of Law and the Human Condition.

As a cinematic genre, going back to Fritz Lang’s “Fury”, 3 and Sidney Lumet’s “12 Angry
Men”,4 courtroom dramas have had a long history of tackling intricacies of the American
legal system and the moral conundrums that occur within. Such movies frequently aim to
shed light on the interactions between formal court proceedings and the individual
experiences and moral dilemmas of the main characters involved in the legal questions. To
Kill a Mockingbird stands out among these films for its deft integration of these two essential
components, with a heavily character-driven story and equal focus onto the courtroom aspect,
to provide a deeply resonant and powerful cinematic experience.

This research paper aims to argue that the film “To Kill a Mockingbird” and its evergreen
reputation as an American classic is directly attributed to its skillful integration of courtroom
proceedings with the compelling but relatable moral and individualistic development of its
core characters, Atticus Finch and more importantly his children, Scout and Jem. Through the
course of this paper, we may also comprehend the film’s deep cultural significance and
enduring allure on the genre of courtroom drama by examining how the movie navigates the
complexities of justice and morality through its fusion of narrative components.

1
Lee, Harper. To Kill a Mockingbird. Philadelphia : J. B. Lippincott & Co., 1960.
2
Mulligan, Robert. To Kill a Mockingbird. Universal Pictures, 1962.
3
Lang, Fritz. Fury. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, 1936.
4
Lumet, Sidney. 12 Angry Men. United Artists, 1957.

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 II. Discussion

a. Unique Narrative Methodologies

Before going deeper into dissecting the intricacies of To Kill a Mockingbird, it is first
necessary to acknowledge and understand the unique narrative strategies employed by
Harper Lee, and by extension Robert Mulligan in traversing the politically distraught and
racially segregated social climate of 1930s Alabama. Rather than utilizing the age-old
storytelling policy of focusing a story onto the perspective of its key character, which by all
means of the story’s incidental impact falls on Atticus Finch, Harper Lee took a rather
unorthodox approach by instead shifting its focal lens onto the first-person account of Finch’s
six-year-old daughter Jean Louise “Scout” Finch, narrated retrospectively by a much older
version of her, and her perceptions of her father and the adult world she found equal parts
amusing and perplexing. A great part of the story’s success and relatability lies in this
retelling, where the image of an adult thinking back on her past attempts to relive it from the
perspective of herself as a little child. Though evidently Atticus Finch stands at the heart of
the film, its venture into Scout’s personal problems and issues with gender identity,
exemplified through scenes such as rebellion and ambivalence as she is forced to behave
according to the cultural norms of what makes a woman, shows attempt to stay truthful to its
female narrator, who in the grand scheme of the plot, the Trial of Tom Robinson, is mostly
irrelevant.5

Scout’s naïve, yet observant gaze allows the audience to experience the trial and its aftermath
with an entirely fresh and unimpeded perspective. Her naivete and growing awareness of the
world around her provide a potent counterbalance to the more sophisticated and apprehensive
viewpoints of the older characters, generating a narrative tension that highlights the film’s
main themes of morality, justice, and the human condition. This allows the movie to place a
seamless juxtaposition of the high-stakes courtroom scenes with the intimate, and seemingly
relaxed domestic moments in the Finch household. The way the personal lives of the
individuals are woven into the legal drama helps to humanize the larger societal concerns at

5
Shackelford, Dean. “The Female Voice in ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’: Narrative Strategies in Film and Novel.” The
Mississippi Quarterly, Vol. 50, No. 1, 1996, pp. 101–113.

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 hand, crafting a beautiful tapestry that would have a profound impact on the audience of
1960s America. The film's smooth transitions between the public courtroom and the Finch
family's private life allow for a thorough analysis of the trial's societal ramifications for the
major characters, particularly Scout and her brother. The film highlights the interdependence
of the personal and political spheres by drawing a contrast between the formal and serious
nature of court proceedings and the cozy and friendly atmosphere of a family home.

b. Analyzing the Courtroom Proceedings

Moving on to the crux of the plot, the opening courtroom scene immersing the audience into
the unfavorable racial dynamics that underlie the trial of Tom Robinson, the African
American man accused of a heinous crime. The scene begins with a palpable sense of
anticipation as the camera pans across the packed courtroom, capturing both the anxious and
the vengeful faces of the two differing spectrums of spectators. The film deftly contrasts
close-ups of Scout Finch's perplexed looks with the dry, matter-of-fact legal terminology as
the prosecution makes its opening statements. In addition to establishing Scout as the main
viewpoint from which the audience would view the events of the trial, this narrative decision
draws attention to the contrast between the intensely personal and emotional stakes engaged
in the legal system and its impersonal, mechanical nature. Atticus Finch, the defense lawyer
and moral core of the movie, stands up to give his own opening remarks, marking a turning
point in the proceedings. Gregory Peck gives a convincing performance as Atticus, a guy
whose calm, expressive tone and unshakable resolve to find the truth make him the center of
attention.6

Crucially, the scene does not downplay the underlying racial tensions that are present
throughout the entire process. The all-white jury's faces are shown on screen for a while as
Atticus presses the prosecution's tenuous case. The film's readiness to take on these cultural
preconceptions head-on heightens the moral stakes of the trial by hinting at the difficult road
ahead for Atticus and his client. The opening courtroom scene in To Kill a Mockingbird
serves as a compelling narrative backbone, introducing the audience to the main legal drama
and establishing the tone for the investigation of the film's deeper thematic concerns. This

6
Supra note 3.

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 exacting attention to detail, along with the film's deft use of cinematic techniques, ensures
this facet.7

In his capacity as the defense lawyer, Atticus carefully exposes the weaknesses and
contradictions in the testimony of the State’s main witness. Atticus challenges the
prosecution's evidence methodically and unwaveringly, exposing deeper realities about the
structural inequities that the Maycomb community is rife with. An excellent illustration of
this dynamic is his cross-examination of the purported victim, Mayella Ewell. Mayella is
humanized by Atticus's careful, sympathetic inquiry as he challenges the veracity of her
evidence while progressively revealing the intricate web of emotions and power dynamics
that underpin her allegations. Parallel to this, Atticus's cross-examination of Sheriff Bob
Ewell reveals the fundamental biases in the legal system as well as the man's obvious
prejudices. The way the camera moves, and the scene is edited throughout these scenes
builds up the dramatic tension by alternating between Atticus's calm manner and the
witnesses' agitated reactions, which makes the spectator more invested in the court case as it
progresses.8

Atticus Finch's passionate closing argument, which is largely recognized as one of the most
potent and unforgettable scenes in the movie, sets up the trial's emotionally charged finale.
The camera stays on Atticus's face as he stands up to address the jury, capturing his steadfast
resolve and strong moral conviction. With a calm, steady cadence, he impactfully appeals to
the jury's sense of justice and humanity while progressively increasing the depth and
emotional resonance of his words. Atticus skillfully combines moral argumentation with
legal logic and carefully undermines the prosecution's case, drawing attention to the stark
discrepancies in the witness statements and the dearth of hard evidence. More significantly
though, he calls into question the jurors' ingrained preconceptions and encourages them to
face their own prejudices in order to acknowledge Tom Robinson's humanity. The emotional
effect of this scene is enhanced by the film's apt use of close-ups and cutting between
Atticus's passionate speech and the jurors' and audience members' responses. The viewers are

7
Johnson, Claudia. "The Secret Courts of Men's Hearts: Code and Law in Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird."
Studies in American Fiction Vol.19, No. 2, 1991, pp.129-139.
8
Champion, Laurie. "When You Finally See Them: The Unconquered Eye in" To Kill a Mockingbird." Southern
Quarterly Vol. 32, No. 2, 1999, p.127.

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 forced to examine their own involvement in the systemic inequalities that exist across the
community as they are drawn into the moral predicament that the jurors find themselves in.

The courtroom is filled with a tangible sense of tension and moral reckoning by the time
Atticus ends his case. Despite Atticus's heroic efforts, the film's inability to deliver an
effective and definitive conclusion to the trial offers a moving statement on the vulnerability
of the legal system, as well as the pervasive legacy of prejudice and inequity.

c. Probing the Moral Quandaries of “Lawyering in an Unjust Society”9

Assessing the question of how to assess Atticus Finch, whether as a moral and ethical legal
icon or as an “ordinary person” doing his job as a lawyer with the odds tilted against him in
the constraints of a segregated and prejudiced society, it can be argued that Finch’s actions
while laudable, are largely demanded by the rule of law, but he often goes beyond the basic
requirements of what is expected from him as a defense attorney. This is seen in his actions
of trying to be a moral support for Tom Robinson’s family, as well as standing guard outside
the cell in which his client has been incarcerated, standing strong even in the face of
overwhelming societal pressure for mob justice. The political climate of the 1930s made it
incredibly difficult for Tom Robinson to have been represented by a lawyer of his
community, but Finch, despite his White upbringing sets aside any such preconceptions to
fight for his client’s justice and freedom.

At various points, the film reinforces Atticus Finch’s position as the moral conscious of the
plot, which he imparts onto his children. This is evident from the scene where Atticus
explains a ‘simple trick’ to Scout to get along with others by trying to understand them by
considering things from their point of view, by “climbing into his skin and walking around in
it.”10 The main impression that most readers have of To Kill a Mockingbird and Atticus Finch
is probably this concept of empathy. However, empathy is not viewed by the movie as a pure
boon. The story frequently depicts unstilled appeals to, or demonstrations of empathy as
disempowering, even incapacitating, far from emphasizing empathy as a virtue or even
competence. This empathy that Atticus tries to instill in his children is also seen in his actions
9
Banks, Taunya Lovell, et. al. "Screening Justice – The Cinema of Law: Films of Law, Order, and Social Justice”,
Digital Commons at University of Maryland Carey Law, 2006, pp. 239-252.
10
Id.

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 as a lawyer. Atticus Finch’s decision by itself to take on Robinson’s case, despite the
overwhelming odds and societal prejudices stacked against his client, can be construed as an
act of moral courage that signifies his empathy.

By providing a rigorous defense and challenging the prosecution’s hogwash arguments,

Atticus upholds fundamental principles of justice and equality before the law, as is expected
from him as a lawyer. Such values have been shown to have a strong influence in the making
of Atticus from the beginning of the movie where the farmer brings produce to his house in
lieu of payment. Nonetheless the film also takes a realistic lens, not as to overlook the
inherent contradictions and limitations of Finch’s position as a lawyer within an inherently
unjust system. Although Finch makes tremendous effort to ensure that Robinson has a fair
trial, the movie implies that he is mostly operating inside the constraints of a court system
that is radically biased against his client even before the trial begins.

The representation of Judge Taylor in the movie, who presided over the Tom Robinson trial,
adds to the moral ambiguity of the film. Judge Taylor, in contrast to Atticus Finch, who at
least tries his cards to defend his client, is instead shown as being a passive and uninterested
character in the institutional biases that jeopardize the impartiality of the proceedings.
Atticus’ role in the grander scheme of things in ensuring equal access to the law for all is also
lukewarm in To Kill a Mockingbird as he allows Robinson to be tried before an all-white
jury, a practice questionable, even for the 1930s; particularly with the ruling of the US
Supreme Court in 1935 in Norris vs. Alabama,11 in which it was held that the systemic
exclusion of blacks from the jury violates the equal protection clause of the Fourteenth
Amendment. The juxtaposition between Judge Taylor's dereliction of duty as a judicial
officer, and Finch's apparent moral fortitude draws attention to the difficulties of practicing
law in an unfair society. It suggests that even those who work in the legal system and try to
uphold the principles of equity and justice may yet be complicit in the injustices they are
attempting to rectify.12

To Kill a Mockingbird is a nuanced and thought-provoking analysis of the moral dilemmas

faced by attorneys practicing in a culture that tolerates institutionalized racism and injustice.

11
Norris v. Alabama, 294 U.S. 587 (1935).
12
“Being Atticus Finch: The Professional Role of Empathy in ‘To Kill a Mockingbird.’” Harvard Law Review, Vol.
117, No. 5, 2004, pp. 1682–1702.

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 Atticus Finch's attempt to strike a balance between his moral principles and the limitations of
the legal system he operates within is a thought-provoking metaphor of the moral dilemmas
that judges and lawyers face when upholding the law in the face of extreme societal injustice.

d. Honor and the Necessity for Idealism in Law

A powerful example of the crucial role that principled idealism plays in the legal profession
is Atticus Finch's unwavering dedication to upholding the ideals of honor, integrity, and
justice in the face of overwhelming odds, in addition to the ethical dilemmas he faced in the
unfair legal system of 1930s Alabama. To completely appreciate the relevance of
Mockingbird and Atticus Finch as role models, one must consider the events that were
transpiring in America at the time of the movie’s release. The idea that a large number of
Americans were being denied fundamental civil rights owing to the color of their skin was
troubling the country, even though slavery had been outlawed for almost a century; black
people continued to face severe discrimination in a wide range of contexts. Even with the
advent of the Brown vs. Board of Education of Topeka judgement,13 where segregation in
public schools were held to be unconstitutional, there existed strong resistance towards
efforts for integration. Protesters staged widely reported sit-ins at lunch counters the year To
Kill a Mockingbird was released in an effort to draw attention to the continued practice of
racial segregation.14 Americans had finally realized that discrimination in the criminal justice
system was producing results that were blatantly at odds with the kind of country they
claimed to be and aspired to be. They were also having difficulty achieving basic civil rights
in the areas of voting, public accommodations, and education.

At the time of To Kill a Mockingbird’s release, most Americans still retained as a sore spot
the Scottsboro Boys trial,15 a case that sent waves across the nation. Two young white women
accused nine black teens of rape as they were traveling through Alabama on a train. The nine
teenage males were taken from the train and charged by deputies and twelve days later, were
hurried into trial. Their two attorneys, who lacked the necessary qualifications to try criminal

13
Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, 347 U.S. 483, 495 (1954).
14
Garner vs Louisiana, 368 U.S. 157 (1961).
15
Powell vs Alabama, 287 U.S. 45 (1932).

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 matters, were not assigned counsel until the morning of the trial. Eight of the nine boys, who
were barely thirteen at the time, received death sentences after their conviction, as was to be
expected. America's moral fury seemed to be sparked by this blatant injustice. The case
developed into a social cause. Voices against the blatant injustice of the system that aimed to
execute these kids could be heard all over the country and the world.16 In choosing Scout as
the film’s naïve protagonist, To Kill a Mockingbird encourages all its viewers to realize the
basic principles of right and wrong, which are so evident and explicit that even a child is able
to comprehend it. Atticus Finch being a moral lawyer is quintessential to the plot in this
regard as the film constructs a hero whose qualities are admirable and awe-inspiring, yet not
too beyond what a seemingly normal person could aspire to be.

Saying that Atticus has had a significant role in assisting America in comprehending the
connection between justice and race is not an exaggeration. Additionally, he has drawn
attention to the crucial role defense attorneys play in ensuring that justice is served
impartially in courts. In a world where political discourse that advocates "tough on crime"
and upholds principles at odds with equal justice and procedural fairness has been widely
accepted, Atticus continues to be a significant symbol of a different, but no less potent, form
of true justice.17 The film's examination of Finch's function as a moral role model and mentor
for the upcoming generation of attorneys emphasizes how crucial it is to inculcate in
individuals who will be influencing the direction of the legal system a strong sense of ethical
duty and an unyielding dedication to justice. It portrays how being idealistic and holding
strong to one’s principles is essential in the fight for social justice in the eyes of the law.

e. Narrative intersection of Society’s Mockingbirds

The stories of the two other main characters, Tom Robinson and Boo Radley, are just as
important in understanding the film's examination of justice, morality, and the complexities
of an unfair society, even though Atticus Finch has long been the main subject of critical
analysis and appreciation in the To Kill a Mockingbird film adaptation.
16
Klarman, Micheal. “Powell v. Alabama: The Supreme Court Confronts "Legal Lynchings"”, Criminal Procedure
Stories, Vol. 1, No. 1, 2006, pp. 1-8.
17
Rapping, Jonathan. “It’s Sin to Kill a Mockingbird: The Need for Idealism in the Legal Profession”, Michigan
Law Review, Vol. 114, No. 6, 2016, pp. 847-866.

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Amidst the segregated judicial system in Alabama, Atticus Finch initiates a moral crusade in
support of Tom Robinson, the African American man who was falsely accused of rape.
Robinson's plight highlights the egregious racial injustices that occur inside the court system
and the harsh consequences of a society that was built on institutionalized prejudice and
discrimination. The film's portrayal of Robinson's trial offers a forceful condemnation of the
court system's complicity in the continuation of racial injustice. The tragic effort by Robinson
to break out of prison and his death that followed, provide more proof of the dehumanizing
consequences of a justice system that denies justice to those it believes are undeserving. It is
significant that the film's examination of Robinson's story does not merely paint him as a
helpless victim. Robinson shows himself to be a multifaceted and likable person whose
strength of character and unwavering sense of self-worth attack the fundamental foundations
of the racist ideology that wants to condemn him through his dignified and determined
testimony.

The plotline of the recluse neighbor Boo Radley offers a more symbolic and metaphorical
examination of the film's main themes than the overtly racial forces at play in the Tom
Robinson plot. Boo Radley, the longtime focus of rumors and folklore in the community,
stands in for the disenfranchised and outcasts of Maycomb society—those whose humanity is
rejected and whose tales go unheard. The film's progressive revelation of Boo Radley's true
character—from a menacing monster to a perceptive and misunderstood person—reflects
Scout and Jem's and the Finch children's larger journey of discovering the world outside the
limited perspectives of their own experiences. In saving the children from the murderous Bob
Ewell, Boo Radley's act of bravery equally serves as a symbol for the bravery and
compassion that can often be found in the most outcast segments of society.

To Kill a Mockingbird demands the audience to reflect on how the moral and ethical
conundrums faced by those in positions of relative power and privilege are intricately linked
to the struggles of the marginalized and dehumanized. This is achieved through the
juxtaposition of these two narratives. The film's in-depth examination of the human condition
and the importance of addressing structural injustice is precisely brought to life through this

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intricate web of stories. To Kill a Mockingbird marks an important realization of how while
the “others” of the functional society get crucified for their mere existence even with the best
of intentions in mind, the true delinquents utilize their privilege to launch guerilla attacks
towards them from the dark.

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III. Conclusion

A timeless courtroom drama that transcends time and place, Harper Lee's "To Kill a
Mockingbird" was further immortalized through its the 1962 film adaptation. Through a
multifaceted exploration of its unique narrative techniques, the mastery in portraying
courtroom proceedings, moral quandaries, and the necessity of idealism in law, this research
paper has sought to unpack the enduring allure and legacy of the cinematic classic. Through
the intricate blending of the personal narratives of its main characters with the high-stakes
legal drama, the movie turns the courtroom procedures into a platform for the examination of
universal concepts related to justice, morality, and the human condition.

Ultimately, the enduring allure of "To Kill a Mockingbird" lies in its ability to inspire critical
reflection on the role of law, ethics, and principled idealism in the pursuit of a more just and
equitable society. The film's ability to skillfully combine the study of human nature and the
technical facets of the legal profession has solidified its legacy as an enduring masterwork
that enthralls and challenges viewers of all ages. As legal practitioners, scholars, and the
public at large grapple with the complex moral and ethical questions of our own time, the
lessons of "To Kill a Mockingbird" remain as relevant and resonant as ever. To Kill a
Mockingbird in this regard remains a potent prism through which we can examine the
fundamental principles of the legal system and the society it serves, thanks to its skillful
handling of the courtroom and its deep engagement with the difficulties of justice.

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