Atticus, it is made clear in Chapter 9, is representing Tom, who has been unjustly accused of raping a white woman by the town's most virulently racist example of "white trash," Bob Ewell.

What page does Atticus defend Tom Robinson?

Atticus defends Tom Robinson (Chapter 9, page 99) Atticus feels that he has to do what's right to be able to hold his head up or even have any authority over his children. He also is willing to stand up against the odds—he knows he's “licked” before he even begins.

What chapter does Atticus tell Scout why he is defending Tom?

Summary: Chapter 9

Atticus has been asked to defend Tom Robinson, a black man accused of raping a white woman. It is a case he cannot hope to win, but Atticus tells Scout that he must argue it to uphold his sense of justice and self-respect.