NCJ Number
133083
Date Published
1991
Length
408 pages
Annotation
The Georgia Commission on Gender Bias in the Judicial System was created in 1989 and initiated a survey of gender bias in Georgia courts.
Abstract
Data on gender bias were obtained from trial court judges, superior court and State court clerks, judicial secretaries, official court reporters, and attorneys. In addition to evaluating 753 survey responses, the commission held public hearings involving 127 persons around the State. Gender bias was assessed in relation to domestic violence involving adults, sex offenses, adult sentencing, the juvenile justice system, child custody and visitation, child support, and alimony and equitable distribution of property. The survey also evaluated gender bias in terms of the treatment of attorneys, witnesses, and litigants in the courtroom; the treatment of court employees; formal language in the courts; judicial ethics and discipline; judicial selection; and court facilities. While no widespread and overt gender bias was discovered in Georgia courts, evidence indicated that gender bias exists in the judicial system and that some citizens have suffered injustices within the system. Appendixes contain the Supreme Court order creating the Georgia Commission on Gender Bias and supplementary survey results. References, tables, and figures