Gender equality has evolved to the point where many are sure that men and women are now treated as equals. Unfortunately, while gender equity is present in most aspects of society, 1）disparities -between the sexes are still prevalent in places where one would least expect it—in the legal system.
The courts are and have always been dominated by men. Largely due to the late start women had in entering the law profession, this disparity can also be blamed on public opinion, as women were attempting to break into the legal system. Even 2）Clarence -Darrow, famous for his progressive -outlook, told the early female 3）attorneys, “You can't be shining lights at the bar because you are too kind. You can never be corporate lawyers because you are not cold-blooded. You have not a high degree of intellect. You can -never expect to get the fees men get.”
Disturbingly, this opinion is still present and has played a large role in preventing women from dominating the upper-4）echelons. Consider this passage, taken from the 5）Commission on Women in the Professions report, “A Current Glance at Women in the Law 2005”: “When education, training, and experience are equal among the sexes, but the rate of employment （and annual salary） remain 6）-incongruous, the answer lies in prejudice, rooted in 7）mindset and behavior.”
I conducted research to determine the most common types of bias and their prevalence today. My results 8）encompassed everyone, from high schoolers to professionals, and instances of bias are indeed frequent and tangible, despite our “equal and just” society.
Whether due to popular media or the mindsets of parents, I've encountered several highschoolers who have already developed a distinctly biased opinion of female attorneys. In response to the question “If you were on trial for murder, would you prefer to have a male or female attorney represent you?” one student answered, “I would choose a male attorney because guys have a higher 9）standing in court. They can be 10）meaner and stand up for me better.” Another student commented, “I would prefer a male because it's harder for them to get distracted.”
Until recently, judges took the blame for most of the biased behavior in the 11）courtroom. According to these students, society must prepare for new generations of biased individuals.
While easily 12）pinpointed instances of bias are significantly less common than 30 years ago, female attorneys and other female court personnel continue to report disturbing incidents. Attorney Susan Y. 13）testified that, “Female attorneys long for the easy 14）camaraderie with judges and court personnel enjoyed by men…… because it…… means a more ready acceptance, a more open ear to a novel or difficult position, a more forgiving attitude towards a mistake—things all 15）litigators need, from time to time.”
Kimberley C., lawyer for the 16）Attorney General, once commented that she had been referred to as “the secretary.” The bias she sees comes mostly from older men who act 17）condescendingly and less professionally toward females. Additionally, she experienced more bias working as a lawyer in her private firm. In another instance, while going before a judge with a male colleague, the judge would only direct questions to him, even though he was there solely to observe the 18）proceedings. Based on the 19）testimony from these women and my research, I have found that the most common types of gender bias in the courts today fall into four categories:
1） The 20）demeaning use of 21）epithets, such as “sweetie” or “honey,” while men are referred to more pro-fessionally.
2） Female attorneys, who are diligent and 22）hard-nosed about their cases, are looked at as unstable or too emotional, while their equally aggressive male 23）counterparts are praised for their hard work.
3） Women are often excluded from friendly conversations between judges and attorneys on topics like the latest football game or fishing trip, which results in feeling disadvantaged, because such conversations lead to friendly bonds in the courtroom.
4） Men complain they were -cheated out of 24）custody by judges who 25）cling to the idea that children belong with their mother.
These instances of bias may seem subtle but the fact that prejudice exists in the very justice system of a society that 26）brags of its blind eye to gender, race, and religion is startling. Through case studies and committee reports, state courts and task forces have pro-ven that the best method for 27）eradicating bias is education. You, the reader, are now aware of the issue. Do not turn a blind eye. Do not let gender bias 28）manifest itself in our society.
The courts are and have always been dominated by men. Largely due to the late start women had in entering the law profession, this disparity can also be blamed on public opinion, as women were attempting to break into the legal system. Even 2）Clarence -Darrow, famous for his progressive -outlook, told the early female 3）attorneys, “You can't be shining lights at the bar because you are too kind. You can never be corporate lawyers because you are not cold-blooded. You have not a high degree of intellect. You can -never expect to get the fees men get.”
Disturbingly, this opinion is still present and has played a large role in preventing women from dominating the upper-4）echelons. Consider this passage, taken from the 5）Commission on Women in the Professions report, “A Current Glance at Women in the Law 2005”: “When education, training, and experience are equal among the sexes, but the rate of employment （and annual salary） remain 6）-incongruous, the answer lies in prejudice, rooted in 7）mindset and behavior.”
I conducted research to determine the most common types of bias and their prevalence today. My results 8）encompassed everyone, from high schoolers to professionals, and instances of bias are indeed frequent and tangible, despite our “equal and just” society.
Whether due to popular media or the mindsets of parents, I've encountered several highschoolers who have already developed a distinctly biased opinion of female attorneys. In response to the question “If you were on trial for murder, would you prefer to have a male or female attorney represent you?” one student answered, “I would choose a male attorney because guys have a higher 9）standing in court. They can be 10）meaner and stand up for me better.” Another student commented, “I would prefer a male because it's harder for them to get distracted.”
Until recently, judges took the blame for most of the biased behavior in the 11）courtroom. According to these students, society must prepare for new generations of biased individuals.
While easily 12）pinpointed instances of bias are significantly less common than 30 years ago, female attorneys and other female court personnel continue to report disturbing incidents. Attorney Susan Y. 13）testified that, “Female attorneys long for the easy 14）camaraderie with judges and court personnel enjoyed by men…… because it…… means a more ready acceptance, a more open ear to a novel or difficult position, a more forgiving attitude towards a mistake—things all 15）litigators need, from time to time.”
Kimberley C., lawyer for the 16）Attorney General, once commented that she had been referred to as “the secretary.” The bias she sees comes mostly from older men who act 17）condescendingly and less professionally toward females. Additionally, she experienced more bias working as a lawyer in her private firm. In another instance, while going before a judge with a male colleague, the judge would only direct questions to him, even though he was there solely to observe the 18）proceedings. Based on the 19）testimony from these women and my research, I have found that the most common types of gender bias in the courts today fall into four categories:
1） The 20）demeaning use of 21）epithets, such as “sweetie” or “honey,” while men are referred to more pro-fessionally.
2） Female attorneys, who are diligent and 22）hard-nosed about their cases, are looked at as unstable or too emotional, while their equally aggressive male 23）counterparts are praised for their hard work.
3） Women are often excluded from friendly conversations between judges and attorneys on topics like the latest football game or fishing trip, which results in feeling disadvantaged, because such conversations lead to friendly bonds in the courtroom.
4） Men complain they were -cheated out of 24）custody by judges who 25）cling to the idea that children belong with their mother.
These instances of bias may seem subtle but the fact that prejudice exists in the very justice system of a society that 26）brags of its blind eye to gender, race, and religion is startling. Through case studies and committee reports, state courts and task forces have pro-ven that the best method for 27）eradicating bias is education. You, the reader, are now aware of the issue. Do not turn a blind eye. Do not let gender bias 28）manifest itself in our society.