NCJ Number
102855
Date Published
1986
Length
338 pages
Annotation
This 22-month study, begun in 1984, examined biases against women in the New York State court system.
Abstract
During the task force study, a wealth of material was received, reviewed, and analyzed, including the observations and opinions of over 2,000 judges, laypersons, lawyers, academics, court administrators, and other professionals. Overall, findings suggest that despite significant legislative efforts to ensure sexual equality, gender discrimination against women litigants, attorneys, and court employees is a pervasive problem with grave consequences throughout the State. Women are often denied equal justice, equal treatment, and equal opportunity. Cultural stereotypes of women's role in marriage and in society daily distort the courts' application of sustantive law, particularly in such areas as domestic violence, rape, and economic rights. Women, whether as attorneys or court employees, too often face a climate of hostility, condescension, and indifference and are frequently denied equal opportunity to realize their potential. The problems women face within the courts are rooted in prejudice, circumstance, privilege, custom, and misinformation. They affect women of every age, race, region, and economic status. Changing this situation will require reforms in court administration, legislation, law enforcement, and within the bar association. Major recommendations for reform are provided. Appendixes include facsimile questionnaires and supplementary materials. 61-item bibliography on women's issues in the courts.