NCJ Number
174857
Journal
ABA Journal Volume: 82 (April 1996) Issue: Dated: Pages: 63-67
Date Published
1996
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article evaluates the usefulness of groups studying discrimination in the Nation's courts.
Abstract
In the 1980s, task forces began studying race and gender bias in the Nation's courts and worked to provide long-range planning for making courts more hospitable to women and minorities. In 1991, the American Bar Association House of Delegates adopted an official policy backing the task forces. However, the task forces and their studies have never been universally popular, considered by some a waste of time and money. While some States have made changes recommended by the task forces, Republican congressional opponents have tried to do away with Federal task forces, deleting them from the budget in October 1995. Money is always a factor in what can be done, but it is unclear whether defunding will be a minor setback or a major obstacle to the progress of Federal task forces. While advocates intend to press on, no institution yields readily to change, particularly one as formidable and entrenched in tradition as the US courts.