NCJ Number
93000
Editor(s)
M M Roberts,
D Rhein
Date Published
1983
Length
103 pages
Annotation
Participants in this small symposium for women judges, held April l982, discussed research findings on the characteristics of sitting women judges as well as the personal and professional problems they encounter.
Abstract
The first two presentations in the symposium focused on how women judges coordinate career and family responsibilities and the role strain involved in balancing personal and professional responsibilities. Both speakers note that women judges cope by hiring domestic help, relying on spousal support, marrying lawyers, having fewer children, and cutting back on nonessential organizational activities. A review of the results of a survey sent to female judges serving in State courts profiles the average woman judge as 48 years old, white, a Democrat, politically moderate or liberal, and serving in a limited jurisdiction court in a medium or large metropolitan area. These judges showed a strong affinity for the nominating commission method of judge selection. The next presentation addresses coping with sex discrimination in the all-male club and strategies to remove such discrimination. The final speaker identifies obstacles to women students and faculty in judicial education. The report summarizes symposium discussion in four areas: (l) women judges' day-to-day professional experiences, including career attitudes and working relationships with other judges and court staff; (2) professional activities and political issues; (3) balancing personal and family life with career; and (4) suggestions for future research and conferences. The appendixes contain a list of topics and hypothetical situations used to stimulate discussion and an extensive, annotated bibliography of materials on women in the legal professional published since l970.