Made up laws in Maycomb County?

"Atticus, you must be wrong...."

"How's that?"

"Well, most folks seem to think they're right and you're wrong..."

"They're certainly entitled to think that, and there entitled to full respect for their opinions," said Atticus, "but before I can live with other folks I've got to live with myself. The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's conscience."

-Lee pg.139-140

As you probably know in this part of the book we see scout and Atticus discussing why so many of the people in Maycomb county seem to have something against him. Me and you both know its because of the Tom Robinson trial and how people think it is very wrong for Atticus to be defending a black man. Not only is that dumb but it also causes Atticus' actions to look illegal when in reality its not and Atticus knows this.These people are creating unwritten but followed laws. We see another example of people making up laws when Miss Caroline tells scout to stop letting her father teach her. That rule she made up is definitely not real and is just something she uses because in her opinion she teaches best. Yeah, because you can definitely make your own rules and laws that other people have to follow.(That was supposed to be sarcastic.)


Let me help you out little bit more with what i'm trying to say because I'm not the best at explaining things. Basically all these "rules" and "laws" make up the society standards and norms for Maycomb county. Not only do these standards affect everyday people who are different but they influence the actual law as well. We know that the people of Maycombs opinions are strong, strong enough to have influence over things such as trials. This still happens today with peoples opinions clouding the real laws. Everyday we catch people discriminating when its illegal, they think their opinion is above the law when its not. I see all sorts of people get discriminated against because someone else's opinion is apparently correct and more important. Personally, simply being a teen has caused people to create rules or not take me seriously. People are quick to think teens are reckless and don't deserve the same treatment as adults. Not only is that treating people unfairly but it can be mentally damaging as well. It is wrong that people put their opinions first, even before the law, it is right to treat everyone fairly and follow the law that is in place.

My one solution: Treat others how you would want to be treated, follow the law, and don't make up laws and rules just because you want to, also don't discriminate it's illegal. You doing this helps the world be a better place which makes Pepe and I very happy.