Because of Atticus, the white jury took much longer than expected to reach its decision in Tom's case. Miss Maudie sees this as a "baby step" forward for the community. Do you think the case of justice is best advanced through such "baby steps"? Explain.

Baby steps are often needed in cases where such huge disparities occur. In this setting, we've already seen Atticus' guarding of the courthouse, the threats against both Tom and his wife, as well as threats leveled at the Finch family. Giant steps often have repurcussions. On the other hand, "baby steps" aren't always made without consequence. In context, consider the novel's references to slavery and the Civil War.