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In general in the U.S. religious groups (e.g. Quakers) tended them in private facilities where they were assigned daily tasks to keep them busy. This worked very well, except for a few violent persons that needed to be restrained.
Atticus does not know how to respond because he understands the harsh reality of racial prejudice and injustice in the court system. He knows that despite the evidence in favor of Tom Robinson, the jury's decision may be influenced by societal biases against African Americans. Atticus is aware of the challenges of seeking justice in a racially divided community and is prepared for the possibility of an unjust outcome.