NCJ Number
121734
Journal
Trial Volume: 26 Issue: 2 Dated: (February 1990) Pages: 28-30,32-35
Date Published
1990
Length
7 pages
Annotation
Nine task forces charged with examining allegations of gender bias in the courts have concluded that pervasive gender bias exists against women litigants, lawyers, and court employees and is manifest in court dispositions dealing with divorce, child support, custody, domestic violence, rape, prostitution, and awarding of damages.
Abstract
Gender bias in the courts denies women equal justice, equal treatment, and equal opportunity. Courts must bear responsibility when, after a divorce, the standard of living of mothers and children plunges, while the standard of living of fathers often improves. Courts rarely enforce alimony or child support decrees. Minority group women experience particular disrespect in court situations. Bias directed at female lawyers is also discussed with the suggestion that codes of conduct be developed for trial lawyers, judges, and bar associations to eliminate gender-biased behavior. 7 footnotes.