ABSTRACT
By the early seventies, Chicanas were organizing themselves at Movimiento conferences and at their own conferences throughout the Southwest. The legal system is means of opposing some of the causes of the disparities that exist, and of eliminating injustice for Chicanas. The Mexican-American Legal Defense and Educational Fund recognized this possibility as well as the need for an organized effort to defend the rights of Chicanas. Any perspective must consider the fact that for Chicanas, the experience of sexism must be considered in light of the experience of racism. It must be recognized that the gains made by feminists stand to benefit Chicanas. From a legal standpoint the issues affecting Chicanas are clear: discrimination, Immigration law, education, labor and health issues are a few. The laws affecting these Issues are relevant to Chicanas in distinct ways. In the past, Chicanas have benefited from sympathetic legislation and a political atmosphere conducive to the promotion of civil rights.
