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I was originally skeptical as a white male who has practiced law for more than 30 years about Joe Biden’s campaign pledge almost two years ago to nominate a Black woman to the Supreme Court. After months of reflection, I believe confirmation of the president’s nominee will result in better decision-making, instill greater faith in the courts and promote equity.
A new member of the court with different life experiences will result in stronger outcomes. Research conducted by the business community has long shown groups that include demographically diverse perspectives will make better strategic decisions. In addition, greater diversity in the judiciary will increase public trust and confidence in our courts. Adding a Black woman to the Supreme Court will also send a powerful message about representation and inclusion.
Black women have historically been an excluded group. A Black woman has never served on the high court. Women of color continue to be one of the most marginalized groups in the legal profession. According to the National Association for Law Placement’s 2018 Report on Diversity in U.S. Law Firms, “minority women continue to be the most dramatically underrepresented group at the [law firm] partnership level, a pattern that holds across all firm sizes and most jurisdictions” despite increases in representation of all women lawyers in recent years.
Thanks to Biden’s leadership, insight and empathy, we can look forward to a Supreme Court that will not only maintain a high quality of justice but will also foster greater confidence and be even more sensitive and responsive to the needs of diverse communities.
James M. Moore, Esq.
Bangor