Mayella Ewell Trial

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Good afternoon, my name is Abigail Virnig, and it is my pleasure to represent Maycomb County and serve as a prosecutor on this important day. The defendant in this matter, Mayella Ewell, lied under oath when fear got the best of her. The lying under oath occurred because she was afraid of Bob Ewell. Mayella said that Tom Robinson raped her. She said Tom choked her and took advantage of her. After this case, after you have heard all the evidence, I am confident you will return the verdict guilty of Mayella Ewell lying under oath. Members of the jury, we will now review the evidence against Mayella Ewell who let fear get the best of her and influenced her decision to lie under oath. During the trial Atticus asks “‘Who beat you up? Tom Robinson or your father?’ No Answer” (Lee 213). …show more content…

He sat up straight and waited for her to answer” (Lee 208). Mayella said “He is tollable, ‘cept when’” (Lee 208). Atticus asked “When he’s riled, has he ever beaten you? Mayella looked around, down at the court reporter, up at the judge” (Lee 209). The final piece of evidence is when Atticus asked '’Do you remember him beating you about the face?’ No, I don't remember if he hit me. I mean yes I do, he hit me” (Lee 210). Lying under oath is the result of Mayella Ewell's actions. During the trial, she said, “I swear I will tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.” Mayella failed to do what she swore by which compromises the work of an official proceeding. Mayella should be punished for not keeping the oath. Members of the jury, the defense, may claim that Mayella lied under oath to protect herself from Bob Ewell harming her. If she didn't lie under oath, he may have threatened to abuse her. The defense may also claim she lied under oath to protect Bob Ewell from trouble. Without Bob Ewell, she wouldn't have a place to live or a parent to take care of

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