Implicit bias - how it might play a role in the courtroom

Implicit bias - how it might play a role in the courtroom

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Scales of justice

Implicit bias … its the belief that deep inside of our subconscious, we make quick decisions or opinions that can have an affect on our conscious mind.

Everyone has them, but could implicit bias have an affect in the legal system in interactions with lawyers and judges?

Many researchers are starting to believe that it can. 

The American Bar Association is developing a program designed to have judges, prosecutors, and public defenders address implicit bias and how it might enter into the decisions they make. Part of the program are videos of established legal minds, coming to terms with the bias that they were not even aware of. 

https://player.vimeo.com/video/165006635

We talk about it with Paulette Brown, President of the ABA.