What is the name of the judge who appoints Atticus to defend Tom Robinson?

The judge who appoints Atticus Finch to defend Tom Robinson is Judge Taylor, whose full name is John Taylor. He presides over the trial in Maycomb County and assigns the case to Atticus rather than to the newer or less experienced public defender.

The appointment matters because Atticus is one of the county’s most capable lawyers. Although the novel does not stage a detailed scene of Taylor formally handing him the case, Atticus later explains that “John Taylor pointed at me” and effectively told him, “You’re it.” The court appointment therefore establishes Taylor’s role clearly.

Judge Taylor’s decision gives Tom Robinson a stronger defense in a deeply prejudiced community. Atticus knows the case is unlikely to end in an acquittal, but he still presents the evidence carefully and argues that the jury must judge the facts rather than racial assumptions.

Judge Taylor is sometimes confused with Mr. Gilmer, the prosecutor, or Sheriff Heck Tate, who investigates and testifies in the case. “Judge Tate” is not the judge’s name; Tate is the sheriff.