Tom's trial is a main event of the book and takes up quite a few chapters. In chapter 16, Atticus tells the children to stay away from the courthouse. Jem and Scout are too curious, so with Dill tagging along they head over after lunch. They missed the jury selection, and now the real trial is about to begin. The courthouse is packed, and the only seats are up in the "colored balcony" with Reverend Sykes.

The trial takes up a few chapters, as different characters give testimony. Just after Atticus finishes his closing argument, Calpurnia walks into the court looking for him. She brings a note with the news that the children are missing. Of course, we know exactly where the children are, but this is news to Atticus. The children are revealed in the upper balcony, and they ask to stay. Since the jury is breaking anyway, Atticus tells the children to go home to eat supper, and then they can return to hear the verdict. Calpurnia scolds the children and Aunt Alexandra is very upset with them, but an hour later they return to hear what the decision is.