The Bar And Bench, And Sexism: From The Courts Of The United States Of America
- IJLLR Journal
- Apr 30
- 1 min read
Apoorva Sharma, Ph.D. Research Scholar, University of Rajasthan
ABSTRACT
This article critically examines the entrenched sexism within legal institutions, particularly in the judiciary and bar, through a historical and contemporary lens. It reveals how systemic gender bias manifests in both overt and subtle forms—from discriminatory remarks and unequal treatment to sexual harassment—affecting the professional experiences of women lawyers. Drawing from personal narratives, a review of empirical studies, and notable legal cases, it underscores how the intersection of power, gender, and tradition perpetuates inequality in the legal field. The article also analyzes the American Bar Association’s pivotal amendment to Rule 8.4(g) of the Model Rules of Professional Conduct, which formally recognizes harassment and discrimination as professional misconduct. This legislative and cultural shift, along with the establishment of judicial performance commissions, represents a critical step toward institutional accountability. Nonetheless, the persistence of patriarchal norms suggests that while progress has been made, significant structural and cultural reforms are still necessary to achieve substantive gender equality in the legal profession.
Keywords: Sexist Language, Judicial Misconduct, Gender Equality
