To Kill A Mocking Bird Chapters 15 and 16

I thought the end of Chapter 15 had a great significance. In the story, the Cunninghams surrounded Atticus at the prison. Scout talks about how they tried to hurt him. I believe the Cunninghams were obviously trying to hurt Atticus because he is defending Tom Robinson. However, I think it's strange that Jem fought against the Cunninghams but was rewarded, but Aunt Alexandera tought Jem to stay quiet when he is wrong. They both obviously have different opinions on parenting, and this could be an important aspect of the story.