Why is Atticus defending Tom Robinson in court?

As Atticus has explained to Scout many times about this, He is doing this becasue he values equailty and justice. He believes that everyone is equal and therefore just because Tom Robinson is black, doesn't mean that he should not defend him. He says to Scout many times, if he did not defend this man, he could never tell Jem or her (Scout) not to do something. He has to set a good example for his children and if he expects them to do something or follow certain values, then he must display them first. In this case, he is displaying that everyone deserves a chance and that everyone is equal. He is also trying to make the town of Maycomb more accepted of this idea since this is a town of great discrimination. Even though he is only one man, he is hoping to cause a ripple effect and hoping that people will see the light and start believing that everyone is truly equal, no matter what their skin color is.

      Atticus is standing up for Tom to prove to Maycomb and his children that just because Tom is black, it gives them white folks no reason to disrespect the black. Atticus is setting an example. Plus, he is upholding his own moral values, so at least he isn't hypocritical. But these aren't the only reasons. Atticus knew Tom was innocent as soon as he saw Tom's limp hand, remember? How could've Tom raped Mayella if he was injured??? And, how could Atticus leave Tom to the claws of the white, racist jury??? Tom was innocent; Atticus HAD to defend him. After all, wasn't it Atticus who said, "It is a sin to kill a mockingbird," and "Just because we were licked a hundred years ago, it doesn't mean we don't have to stop trying."

Atticus knows there is no way Tom can receive a fair trial, and that he isn't going to get a jury of his peers. The extreme prejudice of the entire town does not allow Tom to receive justice, and Atticus believes he can at least bring this to the light of day. He admits he cannot win the trial but must do what is right despite the probable outcome. It is not only because he wants to do what is right, he also wants his children to see him do what is right. Through testimony and the actions of those in court, it is revealed that a person's class may limit him as much as a person's race in certain situations. The Ewells are considered trash by both black and white neighbors, and they are so physically dirty that they are indistinguishable from a black person. In contrast the homes of the Ewell's black neighbors are clean and pleasant.

All answers. . . . correct?!

Atticus is trying to tell his kids that discrimination is not okay and that he must show them that he believes in equality

atticus is showing to the kids that even tho he is black he still deserves a chance at a fair trial