Near the very end of Chapter 20 of Harper Lee’s novel To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus Finch makes his final statement to the jury.  The last paragraph of that statement reads as follows:

“I’m no idealist to believe firmly in the integrity of our courts and in the jury system – that is no ideal to me, it is a living, working reality. Gentlemen, a court is no better than each man of you sitting before me on this jury. A court is only as sound as its jury, and a jury is only as sound as the men who make it up. I am confident that you gentlemen will review without passion the evidence you have heard, come to a decision, and restore this defendant to his family. In the name of God, do your duty.”

This paragraph is relevant to the rest of the novel in a number of different ways, including the following:

• Atticus is indeed in some ways an idealist, but he is also an idealist willing to stand up for his ideals, advocate for them, and try to make them reality.
• By referring to “our courts” (emphasis added), Atticus situates himself as a part of his community and as a citizen of the United States. He presents himself as a man who is merely trying to uphold the best values of his society.
• Firmness is, in almost every respect, a key trait of Atticus’s character.
• Atticus is both an idealist and a realist.
• Atticus treats the members of the jury, as he treats almost everyone, with respect.
• Atticus alludes to the fact that the jury before him is made up entirely of men.
• Atticus attributes to the jurors the same decency and concern with justice that he displays himself.
• Atticus is a man who operates “without passion,” at least if “passion” is defined as uncontrolled, irrational emotion.
• Atticus attributes to the jury the same reasonable motives that he himself constantly follows.
• Atticus thinks of the defendant not simply as an individual person but as a member of a family – a fact that reflects his own strong sense of family.
• Atticus reminds the jurors that they have spiritual, not merely moral or legal obligations. Obviously these kinds of higher obligations motivate Atticus as well.
• Atticus himself abides by the very sense of “duty” he mentions to the jurors.
• Part of the irony of this speech, of course, is that the jurors will essentially ignore Atticus’s eloquent plea.

In To Kill a Mockingbird, can someone paraphrase Atticus’s closing speech to the jury in just a paragraph?

Atticus's closing speech is found at the end of chapter 20 where he begins by saying that there aren't many complicated facts in this case. What the jury must remember, and what Atticus does not take time to retell for them is first, Mayella was beaten on her right side which signifies that the abuser was left-handed. Mr. Ewell is left-handed and Tom Robinson's left hand is crippled and unable to have hurt anyone. Next, there is no medical evidence showing that Mayella was raped by anyone, let alone by Tom. Finally, there are no secondary witnesses to testify for either side to say who is telling the truth. Therefore, Atticus shifts all of the blame to Mayella Ewell and places the word guilty upon her during his closing arguments. Atticus also blames the South's social and racial boundaries for the situation that the Ewells and Tom Robinson find themselves in that day.

Atticus begins his closing arguments by saying that the facts aren't difficult and that the "case is as simple as black and white" (203). He reminds the jury that the prosecution has no evidence but the testimonies of two white people against that of a black man. Atticus attacks Mayella's guilt by saying it is linked to the unwritten social rule that whites and blacks shouldn't mix. When she tried to kiss a black man, and got caught, she had to save her face the only way she knew how and that is to blame Tom for raping her. Atticus then retells the story of what really happened that night, in spite of the Ewell's testimonies stating otherwise. He then tells the court that there is a misconception that prevails in the South, which is that "all Negro men are not to be trusted around our women, an assumption one associates with minds of their caliber" (204). In an effort to bring the jury over to his side, Atticus reminds them that they all have lied, done something immoral, or looked on a woman with desire, so they shouldn't judge Tom so harshly. Then Atticus ends by claiming that the courts are where we should all find justice, not just whites.

In To Kill a Mockingbird, can someone paraphrase Atticus’s closing speech to the jury in just a paragraph?

Atticus essentially tells the jury that they have a duty to do their job fairly. He reminds them of the facts that his case has uncovered. He lets them know that it is obvious that guilt is reigning in the courtroom, but on the behalf of the plaintiff, and for various reasons. Mayella wanted to put the pain of her social sin behind her. He reminds them that the state hasn't done anything to prove Tom guilty. He points out the truth of Tom's capacity and character to do this. He challenges the court on the issue of race. He cites the Declaration of Independence and demonstrates that the courts are the one place in a society where a man should receive justice. He calls them to do their duty and make sure to make the right call regarding this man's life.

Paraphrase Atticus’ summation (closing speech) to the jury, in the book To Kill A Mockingbird.

In his summation at the end of the trial of Tom Robinson, a trial that probably should not have taken place, Atticus Finch appeals to the jury to examine these points:

• what evidence there is
• what evidence is non-existent
• the questionable testimonies of two witnesses that has been contradicted by the defendant 
• the underlying prejudices which have brought about this trial
• the right of every citizen of the United States to be treated equally in a court of law.

At the end of the trial of Tom Robinson, with the paucity of concrete evidence against Tom, Atticus Finch forms a summation that is in essence a rational and ethical appeal to the jury. Here, then, is a paraphrasing of the summation of Atticus Finch to the jury in a few sentences:

Reminding the jury that a conviction can come only if there is certainly beyond reasonable doubt, Atticus refers to the substance of this trial as dependent mainly upon the questionable testimony of two witnesses, testimony that has been "flatly contradicted" by the defendant. In addition, there is no medical evidence of rape. Atticus adds that Mayella, a victim of poverty, neglect, and ignorance, looked for some attention and broke the unwritten code, and her father saw her doing so. Afterwards, they tried to cover up her "mistake" by bringing charges against Robinson. And, although circumstantial evidence indicates that Mayella was beaten by someone whose punches were issued by the left hand (the jury knows Tom Robinson has no use of his left arm), the Ewells have been convinced that their testimony would not be doubted because of prevailing prejudices.

Pointedly, Atticus recalls to the jury that all citizens in the United States are guaranteed justice in a court of law, and he makes his final appeal to the jurymen to do their duty and follow the Constitution.