The children find out that one man on the jury—a Cunningham, surprisingly— wanted to acquit Tom Robinson. Why is this shocking for the children? What do you think could have impacted his decision?
In Chapter Twenty-three, Atticus reveals that he learned that the one jury member who kept everyone out so long was a Cunningham who defended Tom's innocence. Atticus thinks that all Cunninghams will stand solidly behind anyone who wins their respect, without fail - and the incident at the jailhouse won the Finch family great respect. The children are shocked because Mr. Cunninghams was one of the men at the jail. His conversation with Scout may have opened his eyes and changed his decision.
http://www.gradesaver.com/to-kill-a-mockingbird/study-guide/summary-chapters-19-24
