Final answer:
The description of the town before Tom Robinson's trial seems more like a public meeting, where the verdict is announced publicly before the community.
Step-by-step explanation:
The description of the town directly before the trial of Tom Robinson seems more like a public meeting. In legal cases, such as a trial, the verdict is announced publicly before the community. This can be seen as a public gathering or meeting where the community comes together to witness and participate in the process.