Unfazed at being shunned by the townspeople, Drummond is self-confident and charming in the courtroom. He speaks in a folksy tone of voice, albeit businesslike and purposeful, and reveals his sense of humor. For example, he laughs about his purple suspenders, evidence that he is a nonconformist and, as such, different from the residents of Hillsboro.
During the trial, Drummond's sensitive and caring demeanor for his client and his passion for justice become evident. He is angry when Brady is referred to as "Colonel" for no apparent reason, a situation that is prejudicial to his case. When the judge and mayor of Hillsboro bestow a temporary honorary title on him, Drummond appears "politely amused." He is adamant about wanting a fair trial and jurors who can think for themselves, not jurors who "are run through a meat-grinder so they all come out the same." Drummond's goal is to prevent narrow-minded people from altering the Constitution of the United States with old-fashioned nonsense. He is empathetic toward Cates and his lonely situation. He is committed to defending Cates and respects Cates for "standing up when everybody else is sitting down."
When the judge tells Drummond that he cannot call his witnesses, the audience sees Drummond's quick mind, his ability to function under pressure, and his creativity. Changing tactics, he calls Brady, the prosecuting attorney, to the witness stand as an expert on the Bible. Although unorthodox, the situation is particularly significant because it pits one great man against another.
