Judiciary Diversity

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The composition of the judiciary in the English legal system reveals disparities in terms of its composition against a background of gender and ethnic make-up. The hiring of judges is based on an appointment conducted by the Lord Chancellor. The method of appointment is replete with opacity since the selection criteria remain vague and uncertain. The uncertainty associated with these appointments erodes the public confidence in the judiciary. The appointments largely discriminate against women, and ethnic minorities, this is a contradiction of what law is all about, fairness for all.
This paper argues that selections based on merit are insufficient in expanding the diversity of the judiciary. It is largely based on the premise that a hiring …show more content…

The lengthy training discourages a lot of persons from marginalized groups and low socioeconomic backgrounds from taking up legal studies. Additionally, the minimally paid pupilage period of barrister training discourages most lawyers hailing from underprivileged backgrounds from pursuing barrister careers from where most judges are appointed.
In lieu of a merit-centric system, omnibus judiciary reforms and public indifference to the reforms helps in the retention of the non-diversity of the bench. The indifference towards judicial reform is informed by the increased distrust of lawyers and judicial officers. This adversity of the citizens towards a holistic comprehension and support of a merit-based judicial selection system entrenches the prevalent trend of appointing judges.
The inadequate activism and advocacy efforts surrounding judicial selection contribute towards the lack of diversity on the bench. Professional associations of barristers and paralegals are largely centered on enhancing the professionalism and advancing the education of the members. The preoccupation with standards of legal training reduces the momentum required to advocate and press for increased judicial …show more content…

From a feminist perspective, a patriarchal judiciary relegates the experiences of women when adjudicating disputes, especially in sexual assault and civil cases. The inclusion of females, albeit through positive discrimination, lends the judiciary the much-needed female voice necessary to articulate and understand the various experiences of litigants. Positive discrimination favoring women from marginalized communities greatly enhances the delivery of justice since it negates the omnibus perspective of female experiences that the bench might be drawn to. A minority judge is conscious of the differential experiences that people encounter due to their race, ethnicity, language or

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