ABSTRACT

This chapter considers the impacts of the courts on black women, black men, and white women. It presents the observations along with some information from individuals and groups with whom discussions were held during the fieldwork. The chapter discusses the greater likelihood of black women being affected adversely by race-class-gender politics in the courts, this should not be interpreted in quantitative terms only. The greater number of proceedings initiated against men may explain why women appeared to be relatively more likely to appear as supporters of men in court than the reverse. The probation officers who provided research information emphasised that race was a factor in establishing rapport with probationers. They were of the view that black defendants tended to trust black probation officers more and black officers tended to be more sympathetic with black clients.