Supreme Bias: Gender and Race in U.S. Supreme Court Confirmation Hearings

Supreme Bias analyzes the dynamics of race and gender at the Supreme Court confirmation hearings held before the Senate Judiciary Committee, revealing how female nominees and nominees of color face more skepticism, stereotype-based questioning, interruption, and less-positive terms. It provides concrete suggestions for reducing bias.

Format: Hardback
Length: 290 pages
Publication date: 17 October 2023
Publisher: Stanford University Press

In their groundbreaking book, "Supreme Bias," Christina L. Boyd, Paul M. Collins, Jr., and Lori A. Ringhand offer a comprehensive analysis of the dynamics of race and gender during the Senate Judiciary Committee's confirmation hearings. Drawing on their extensive knowledge of these hearings and a wealth of qualitative and quantitative evidence, the authors shed light on the distinct confirmation process faced by women and people of color compared to their white male colleagues. Despite their remarkable qualifications and credentials, female nominees and nominees of color encounter heightened skepticism regarding their professional competence, face stereotype-based questioning, experience more frequent interruptions, and are described in less-positive terms by senators. This book not only exposes the alarming prevalence of race and gender bias at the highest echelons of U.S. legal power but also provides practical recommendations for reducing such bias in the future.

The authors argue that the confirmation hearings have perpetuated a culture of bias and discrimination against women and people of color, which has had a detrimental impact on their ability to serve on the Supreme Court. They highlight the need for reform in the confirmation process, including increased diversity on the Committee, greater scrutiny of nominees' qualifications and experience, and a more respectful and inclusive atmosphere during the hearings.

Furthermore, the book provides a detailed account of the experiences of individual women and people of color who have sat before the Committee. It sheds light on the challenges they faced, such as being subjected to sexist and racist remarks, being interrupted more frequently, and facing questions that were based on stereotypes rather than their qualifications. These personal stories serve to illustrate the real-world impact of race and gender bias on the legal profession.

Overall, "Supreme Bias" is a crucial contribution to the ongoing debate about race and gender in the legal profession. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the dynamics of race and gender at the Supreme Court confirmation hearings and offers practical solutions for reducing bias in the future. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the role of race and gender in the American legal system and the importance of promoting diversity and inclusivity in the legal profession.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781503632691