Atticus does not volunteer to take the case but is instead specifically chosen by Judge Taylor to defend Tom Robinson. Judge Taylor is aware that Atticus is a morally upright, unbiased man who is not prejudiced and will valiantly defend a black client. Scout discovers this information before the trial when she overhears the Idlers's Club discussing the case and realizes that the inexperienced Maxwell Green typically takes court-appointed defenses. The fact that Judge Taylor chooses Atticus to defend Tom Robinson is significant and reveals Atticus's revered status among other lawyers. In Maycomb's racist society, prejudiced lawyers refuse to adequately defend their black clients, which results in racial injustice.

However, Atticus reveals that he is a proponent of racial equality and justice by valiantly defending Tom Robinson in front of a prejudiced jury. Atticus is aware that he has virtually no chance of winning the case but follows through with his duty by presenting a coherent case that proves Tom's innocence. Tragically, Atticus is not able to overcome the jury's prejudice and loses the case. Despite the result of the trial, Atticus demonstrates his courage and integrity by defending Tom Robinson, which inspires his children to follow in his footsteps and subscribe to his ideologies regarding race, justice, and equality.