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In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, why does Atticus choose not to reveal to his children that Judge Taylor appointed him to Tom's...

In Chapter Nine, Scout learns that Atticus is to defend Tom Robinson, an African American man accused of raping a white woman. Because of the racist attitude of Maycomb, Atticus knows that Tom will not get a fair trial. However, because Atticus is an honorable man, he will defend Tom to the best of his ability.


Atticus chooses to not reveal the fact that Judge Taylor appointed him to defend Tom in order to preserve their innocence. While he knew that they would eventually find out, he knew that the town of Maycomb would target not only him, but Scout and Jem as well.  In defending Atticus, Scout got into fights with a schoolmate and her cousin. 


Atticus's defense of Tom coincides with a significant event in the novel, where he is required to shoot a rabid dog. Because he does so with one shot, his honor and true power are reinforced not only in Scout's mind, but in Maycomb's as well.


While Scout's perception of her father may not be as innocent, it reinforces a positive symbol of courage and morality.

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