NCJ Number
142209
Journal
Journal of Legal Education Volume: 42 Issue: 1 Dated: (March 1992) Pages: 103-117
Date Published
1992
Length
15 pages
Annotation
This article argues that affirmative action programs yield a diverse and qualified law school student body and graduates, in contrast to previous admission policies that were used to exclude racial minorities.
Abstract
This article counters the arguments of the detractors of affirmative action by noting that supposed objective law- school admissions policies prior to affirmative action measures discriminated against racial minorities to produce a disproportionately white-dominated legal profession. The author argues that criticism of affirmative action is apt to continue, not because it has a basis in fact, but because the transition to a more meritorious and heterogeneous legal profession will inevitably lead to a loss of white privilege, particularly white male privilege. Current admissions programs, as practiced at nearly all law schools, are more thorough and better administered than at any point in legal education. Most admissions officers and financial aid administrators are highly capable and dedicated professionals who sift through thousands of papers and files to attempt to assemble as accomplished and diverse a class as they are able. The high volume of applications means that admissions officers can choose among many exceptionally qualified persons, and all admitted are deemed to be capable of performing the work required to graduate. The goal of assembling a qualified, diverse student body is a laudable admissions policy. 71 footnotes