Key Terms
How can " Judging " be defined?
the process by which judges interpret laws, evaluate facts, and make legal decisions
This type of legal decision sets the tone for future similar cases.
Precedent
What are the three models of judicial behavior
Strategic Model
Attitudinal Model
Legal Model
This personal factor heavily influences judges’ decisions.
ideology
What is the title of the paper we are discussing within the presentation?
Bias and Judging
How is bias defined
a prejudiced view that is in favor of or against one thing, person or group compared with another
What Justice responded to Justice Sonia Sotomayor
Jeff Sessions
what is the key argument
The primary focus of the study is that judges are not beyond bias and that their decision-making is influenced by both explicit and unconscious biases. The authors suggest that individual prejudices, such as those based in race, gender, politics, or ideology, can influence the results of court proceedings even in the face of the ideal of impartiality in the legal system.
What are the learning objectives? only needs one
What school do the authors teach at?
Harvard & Yale
What is Ideology ?
refers to a set of ideals and principles that explain how society should function.
why is it not described as biased when two judges with different backgrounds reviewing the same case conclude with different rulings
This is because judges, like all individuals, are influenced by their unique backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, which can shape their understanding and application of the law. While these factors can lead to variations in rulings, they don't necessarily indicate bias, as judges are expected to apply the law impartially, even if their interpretation differs.
What class are we currently in?
Poli 130
Who are the authors of the paper
Allison P. Harris & May Sen
What is the relationship between Descriptive Characteristics and judicial decision-making?
A judge’s background—like race, gender, or experience—can shape how they view facts, assess harm, and interpret fairness. These traits may influence rulings, especially in cases on civil rights or inequality.
How is Partisanship?
a strong allegiance to a political party.
How is ideology and judicial decision making correlated?
A judge’s personal beliefs can influence how they interpret and apply the law, often shaping their approach to legal issues.
TRUE OR FALSE
Less constrained courts are the ones where ideology is more likely to have the biggest influence
true
How many mentimeter questions did we have
5
when it comes to law is there a single right answer? no correct answer just answer with your opinion and included a reasoning
NA
How is Judicial Behavior defined?
The study of how and why judges make decisions.
What is the Attitudinal Model
Attitudinal Model: Judges, decide cases primarily based on their personal policy preferences, ideological attitudes, and values rather than legal texts, facts, or precedent.
What judge started this conversation? and how?
Justice Sonia S. Started when she said "would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experiences would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasn’t lived that life” (Sotomayor 2002, p. 92)"
What are the 3 different bias?
Ideological / Partisan Bias
Unconscious Bias
Demographic-based bias
What Administration pushed the courts to become more diverse?