Holcomb, Mark. “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Film Quarterly, Vol. 55, No. 4. (Summer, 2002), pp. 34-40. 31 Mar. 2006.                                 <http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0015-1386%28200222%2955%3A4%3C34%3ATKAM%3E2.0.CO%3B2-G>

The author of this article believes that the film adaptation of To Kill a Mockingbird has had a more resonant impact than has the written work. One of the best films of all time, To Kill a Mockingbird possesses the very strong character of Atticus Finch, about whom numerous law school courses are based. The author then discusses the strong mood and atmosphere portrayed in the film, which seems even more personal than the book at times. The author feels the real strength does lie in the film’s exploration of societal themes and racism.
            However, he feels that the film does little to change any actual race problems, and characters seem to follow class distinctions only when necessary at times. He indicates other deficiencies as well. The movie does not answer many questions, such as what becomes of the fatherless Ewell children, no longer with any support. The film also does little to explore racism, considering the black community has little to no voice outside of Tom Robinson and the maid, and even they exist in isolation. The black characters are one dimensional stereotypes, doing little to resolve the problem of race. Moreover, though film viewers act as a jury during the trial scenes, their judgment matters little considering the outcome has been predetermined. While the author does believe the film to be well made, it is far too simple to provide a true education in morals and make any significant change in society.

Powell, Burnele. “A Reaction: ‘Stand up, Your Father [A Lawyer] Is Passing.’” Michigan Law Review, Vol. 97, No. 6, 1999 Survey of             Books Related to the Law. (May, 1999), pp. 1373-1375. 31 Mar. 2006.                                                                                         <http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0026-2234%28199905%2997%3A6%3C1373%3AAR%22UYF%3E2.0.CO%3B2-9>

            The author of this article is in accord with the controversial piece by Professor Lubet. This author questions whether Atticus Finch remains an inspiration for lawyers if Tom Robinson did in fact commit the crime. He then compares the job of a lawyer to that of an actor; lawyers simply fulfill their duty, and an important duty to society at that. As a society, we ask lawyers to distance themselves from their own personal morals so that they can operate to their best ability in the courtroom. Another view is that they feel to have a “social pass” which allows them to act as necessary in the courtroom. He says that the final view expressed by Lubet is the most satisfying, in which a good person or good lawyer is still good even when arguing in the interests of a bad person. The advancement of principles is an act of heroism for the client, the system, and society.

            The author indicates that the various defense techniques and tactics used by Atticus do have a place in the judicial system, but boundaries must be maintained, as Atticus does. The author argues that if we accept that Atticus can recognize the biases that exist in his society, his heroism cannot be diminished based on the innocence of his client; we honor him not based on his freeing an innocent man (which he did not), but rather using all methods within the boundaries of the law to win the case for his client on the behalf of society.

Simon, William. “Moral Icons: A Comment on Steven Lubet's ‘Reconstructing Atticus Finch.’” Michigan Law Review, Vol. 97, No. 6,             1999 Survey of Books Related to the Law. (May, 1999), pp. 1376-1377. 31 Mar. 2006.                                                                 <http://links.jstor.org/sici?sici=0026-2234%28199905%2997%3A6%3C1376%3AMIACOS%3E2.0.CO%3B2-Z>

            The author argues that Atticus Finch is respected not only by the bar for his conduct during the trial, but by readers in general because they feel that he really did believe in the truth of his client. The author disagrees with the controversial Lubet article in certain regards. Firstly, he feels that unless Atticus knows for certain that Mayella tells the truth, his cross-examination simply tests the credibility of her character. Likewise, if he knows that she is lying, then he must expose her. Though his tactics might seem questionable, the stakes are quite high; considering the social landscape in Alabama, a black man’s life is certainly at stake.

            Another point on which this author disagrees with Lubet is the use of stereotypes. Atticus is depicted as purely virtuous until the end, at which point he begins to show flaws; Lubet does not like this. However, as this author points out, if Atticus were perfect, then the novel would be romantic escapist fiction, not a more believable and impacting ambitious novel. Atticus’s character becomes more complex and does not act purely on virtue when he gives in to the sheriff’s demand regarding his son, Jem, and the murder of Bob Ewell in self defense. At this point, Atticus’s character becomes more believable in its imperfection, and consequently has a great impact on readers.