Black Judges on Justice : Perspectives from the Bench

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's 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)

Lillian Lewis

This well-written and insightful book is the first to present the views of leading African American jurists on the way the judicial system works. The 14 black jurists interviewed come from either the trial or appellate levels, from cities, large and small, across the country; the group includes new and seasoned jurists, liberals and conservatives, men and women. Each interview includes a note on the subject's legal background; a personal testimony on how and why each jurist selected law as a career, with some thought about his or her goals or reflections on contributions already made to the legal system; and some discussion on how race and justice are often conflicting entities. Within that framework, they share their views on the courts, the role of the jurists, particularly of black jurists, and the future of the judicial system. The judges expose some of the imperfections and injustices practiced within our court system, yet each jurist supports the adage that "although the system is not what it should be, it aspires to be something better." In celebration of Black History month (and all celebrations of African American history), this book will be an excellent addition to library and personal collections.