Overview

The judicial system in a liberal democracy is deemed to be an independent branch of government with judges free from political agendas or societal pressures. In reality, judges are often influenced by their economic and social backgrounds, gender, race, religion, and sexuality. This volume explores the representation of different identities in the judiciary in the United States. The contributors investigate the pipeline, ambition, institutional inclusion, retention, and representation of groups previously excluded from federal, state, and local judiciaries. This study demonstrates how diversity on the bench improves the quality of justice, bolsters confidence in the legitimacy of the courts, and provides a vital voice in decision-making power for formerly disenfranchised populations.

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9781108429887

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Advance praise: 'This impressive volume advances scholarship on diversity in political institutions in novel and important ways. It is a must-read for judicial scholars and anyone interested in understanding how diversifying institutions affects the ways that institutions work and how they are perceived.' Valeria Sinclair Chapman, Purdue University, Indiana Advance praise: 'This volume makes a unique, timely, and important contribution to the discussion of identity politics and the US Judiciary. There are significant ramifications if our increasingly diverse population is not better reflected on the courts.' Christina Bejarano, University of Kansas

Author Information

Samantha L. Hernandez is Director of Legislative Affairs for the National Association of Graduate-Professional Students. She is co-editor of Latinas in American Politics: Changing and Embracing Political Tradition (2016). Her work has been featured in Politics and Gender, the New York Times, Bloomberg News, and Chronicle of Higher Education. Sharon A. Navarro is Professor of Political Science at the University of Texas, San Antonio. Her research interests focus on Latinos-as in American politics, women and politics, and race-ethnic, gender and public policy. She is co-editor of Latinas in American Politics (2016), The Roots of Latino Urban Agency (2013), and Latino Americans and Political Participation (2004). She is also co-author of Politicas: Latina Public Officials in Texas (2008) and author of Latina Legislator: Leticia Van De Putte and the Road to Leadership (2008).

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