Black Judges on Justice ANNOTATION
Black Judges on Justice is the first book to present the voices of leading African American jurists on the way our judicial system works. Fourteen jurists from across the nation give fascinating insight into the problems facing us as a nation, as well as a unique contribution to understanding how race and justice intertwine.
FROM THE PUBLISHER
Black Judges on Justice is the first book to present the views of leading African American judges on the way our judicial system works. From pioneers such as Leon Higginbotham and Constance Baker Motley (the first black female federal judge) to such outspoken and well-known mavericks as Bruce Wright, the testimony of these judges provides penetrating analysis of the role of the jurist, of the daily malfunctioning of the courts, and of the future of the judicial system itself.
FROM THE CRITICS
Publishers Weekly
Fourteen black judges reflect on work and philosophy in interviews with Washington, executive editor of the Philadelphia Tribune and a former assistant to the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania. While the book's format leads to some overlap, the interviews are often candid and thoughtful. Fred Banks, of the Mississippi Supreme Court, notes that black judges bring to the system both legitimacy and the perspective of their socialization. While most of the comments on creative sentencing and the continuing impact of discrimination are unsurprising, some are more pointed. New York federal judge Henry Bramwell urges a stronger black work ethic and Joseph Brown Jr., criminal court judge of Shelby County (Memphis, Tenn.), laments the passing of men's ``absolute control over the household.'' Retired federal appeals court judge A. Leon Higginbotham Jr. observes that law students are rarely taught the U.S. Supreme Court's ugly early cases involving blacks, but firebrand New York City trial court judge Bruce Wright ups the ante by arguing that all judges should pass tests in black history. (Jan.)
Library Journal
Washington, executive editor of the Philadelphia Tribune, provides extended interviews with 14 black U.S. jurists from federal, local, and state benches as well as from trial and appellate courts. He categorizes these judges as the Front Line, Pioneers, and the Future and shows how they offer differing perspectives on the justice system and society. The central themes are that no person is above the law, law is an instrument of social change, racism is part of American society, and reform of the criminal justice system is needed to lessen discrimination against blacks and others. High school students to adults will develop further knowledge of the U.S. judiciary by reading this excellent book.-Steven Puro, St. Louis Univ.
Booknews
Leading African American jurists reflect on the way the U.S. justice system works and on the effects, causes, and legacy of racism. The 14 judges interviewed sit on federal, state, and local benches and cover the political spectrum. Some are renowned in the legal community for innovative approaches to sentencing; others are known for their participation in historic legal battles. No index. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
Home
