Disparities

New Report Highlights Persistent Racial Disparities in Law School Admissions and Bar Passage Rates Despite Increases in Diversity Initiatives

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WASHINGTON — A recent report from AccessLex Institute exposes stubborn racial and ethnic disparities in law school admissions and outcomes, despite some gains in diversity and financial aid. The Legal Education Data Deck update illustrates ongoing challenges in the affordability, accessibility, and perceived value of Juris Doctor programs across the United States. Tiffane Cochran, vice president of research at AccessLex Institute, acknowledged the mixed outcomes. “While we see improvements in diversity and increased financial aid, significant impediments remain in making legal education accessible and valuable to all,” she said. The report highlights a persistent gap … Read more

Rural Domination in Ohio Lawmaking? Unpacking the Geographic and Demographic Disparities in Legal Representation

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COLUMBUS, Ohio — A stark imbalance in the distribution of legal professionals across Ohio has sparked concerns about adequate legal representation in the state’s rural areas. State Rep. Brian Stewart recently pointed out that 75% of Ohio’s attorneys are based in just six of its most populous counties, leaving the remaining lawyers to serve the vast majority of the state’s geographic area. This concentration in urban centers suggests potential neglect for the legal needs of rural residents, raising issues of fairness and access to justice. According to information from an Ohio Bar Association meeting, Supreme … Read more

President Biden’s Historic Pardons: Correcting Racial Disparities in Nonviolent Marijuana Convictions

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WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden demonstrated his use of presidential clemency power on Friday when he pardoned thousands of individuals convicted on federal land for nonviolent marijuana violations. Biden’s decision addressed the issue of racial disparities in drug prosecution and sentencing, a matter of great importance. Although criminal laws are meant to apply to all Americans equally, small amounts of cannabis possession or use have disproportionately affected Black individuals. Unequal enforcement can turn a colorblind law into an instrument of injustice. Clemency can help rectify these flaws in the criminal justice system. This marks … Read more