In what way is Atticus a moral compass? How are equal rights abused in the novel, and how does Atticus effectively respond to discrimination?in To...

Atticus's moral compass always points to fairness and
justice, although justice in that time period is skewed to whites only. He does not
judge anyone, at least in front of his children. When his children want to know about
something as ugly as what rape is, he gives them the formal definition (which they
usually don't understand, but their curiosity is assuaged). He dealt with his children's
questions about the racial situation of the time in such a way as to teach, not preach,
a lesson.

There is no such thing as equal rights in the
novel. Tom Robinson was denied a jury of his peers;there were no black jurors because
blacks could not vote at that time. Even with definitive proof that Mayella was beaten
by a left-handed person, Tom was found guilty even though his left arm was withered and
crippled. Segregation was the norm, both in the court room, neighborhoods, and
schools.

 Atticus responds to discrimination by
volunteering to take Tom Robinson's case. He defended him to the best of his ability,
but he was too far ahead of his time to be successful. Even when his life was threatened
by the lynch mob, Atticus kept his cool and dealt with the angry men in a civil
fashion.