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Bias in the Court! Focusing on the Behavior of Judges, Lawyers, and Court Staff in Court Interactions Model Guide 2

NCJ Number
173729
Author(s)
J. G. Richardson
Date Published
1997
Length
307 pages
Annotation
This Model Guide attempts to raise the awareness of judges, lawyers and court staff to their words, actions and behaviors that may result in unfavorable outcomes for minorities involved in the legal system.
Abstract
The Guide addresses several problem areas and recommends strategies to address those concerns: (1) concentrating on the quality of the treatment minorities receive in the justice system, regardless of their roles (e.g., witnesses, litigants or defendants) in the courtroom and around the courthouse; (2) ensuring that the words, actions and behaviors of judges, lawyers and court staff are consistent with the principles of fairness and equality; (3) taking appropriate steps to persuade minorities that racially or ethnically based negative attitudes and beliefs will neither govern court proceedings nor dictate the outcomes of their cases; and (4) assuring all of the public equal access to fair and dignified treatment in the courts. The Guide includes sections on improving multicultural awareness in the courts and language and communication skills for effective cross-cultural communication. Appendixes