It happens because the racist Macomb jury members convict Tom of raping Mayella Ewell. Jem is devastated and loses his faith in the community members of Maycomb. Jem was feeling confident about winning the court case and even told Reverend Sykes not to fret because Atticus has already won because of the lack of evidence.
What was not seen by them, but the Reverent had seen, was the fact that the locals were racist and had never decided in favor of a black man over a white one.
The correct answer is:
2.Tom might have won the case had race not been an issue.
