Socialization of Chicano Judges and Attorneys (From Criminal Justice and Latino Communities, P 257-290, 1995, Antoinette S. Lopez, ed. - See NCJ-168536)

• NCJ Number: 168550
• Author(s): F V Padilla
• Date Published: 1995
• Length: 34 pages
• Sale Source: Garland Publishing, Inc.
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: *This document is currently unavailable from NCJRS.

Annotation

The impact of Hispanic judges and attorneys on the criminal justice system were examined using data from Mexican-American judges and attorneys in five southwestern states.

Abstract

The research focused on family background, ethnicity, religion, education, age, and occupation. Results revealed that one-fourth to one-third of the attorneys are engaged in private practice, although some engage in public practice at some time. Many have been to law school out-of-State. In addition, the Mexican-American attorneys tend to conform to the legal system rather than challenge it. The schooling of the judges varies from State to State, but each State's group has one or two schools that clearly stand out. The judiciary tends to be markedly older in States where Chicanos have held some political power. The judiciary is overwhelmingly male. Further research should determine who all the Hispanic judges are, analyze the legal professions in each State, and determine if sentencing practices of Hispanic and non-Hispanic judges differ. Tables and 15 references