Black Robes, White Justice: Why Our Legal System Doesn't Work for Blacks [Paperback]

Bruce Wright (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0758201109 | ISBN-13: 978-0758201102 | Publication Date: March 1, 2002

The author, a New York State Supreme Court Justice and a black man, argues that our legal system is fundamentally unfair towards African Americans--and documents his assertion with many cases drawn from his long experience as a lawyer and judge. A timely and relevant subject in the aftermath of the Rodney King trials and the LA riots.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

A controversial New York City judge (dubbed "Turn 'em Loose Bruce" by tabloid critics), Wright here presents an attack on the criminal court system that is certain to infuriate many. His major contention is that, in a system where most judges are white and most defendants black, judges are "ignorant of and indifferent to the debased reality of those who are judged." The book, a hodgepodge of autobiographical experiences and reflections, is so poorly organized that Wright never fully develops his argument. Instead, he offers random accounts of painful racial episodes that he has experienced or observed in the courtroom and elsewhere. Topics range from relations between blacks and Jews, to conflicts with New York City police over his lenient bail policies. Recalling his days as a young lawyer with the "naive ideal" that he could help blacks, Wright is pessimistic and half-hearted in suggesting that better education of potential judges in racial aspects of U.S. history might improve the situation depicted here.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Kensington (March 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0758201109
• ISBN-13: 978-0758201102
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #951,960 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Racial Bias In The Legal System Exposed...by a JUDGE!!!, January 24, 2005

By 

Taalib A. Muhammad "Seek Knowledge From The C... (New York City, United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Black Robes, White Justice: Why Our Legal System Doesn't Work for Blacks (Paperback)

As a New Yorker, I remember Judge Bruce Wright well. He was dubbed: "Cut 'em loose Bruce", because he often released arrested citizens without their having to post bail money. Mr. Wright upheld the law that bail is not to be used as a punishment, but only as a guarantee that the accused party return to court to face the charges against he/she. This infuriated the "powers-that-be". The fact that Judge Wright is a Black man, and many of those who came before him were also Black people, swayed the media to portray his actions as racially motivated, as opposed to his acknowledgement of the law. His book superbly reflects the blatant inequitableness of the criminal justice system and how it is purposely designed to work against Blacks and other people of color. His personal experiences, as a sitting judge, lend great credence to his analogy and conclusions concerning the legal system. Wright fearlessly gives names and elaborates on instances wherein he witnessed and experienced bias in the system. This book is not written in "textbook" fashion, provides some humorous irony and is very informative. Add it to your library.

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A book every American and law student should read, February 2, 2004

By 

Hammad S. T (Bronx, NY United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Black Robes, White Justice (Paperback)

This book is an eye opener. It give you the truth behind the justice system from the perpective of a Sumpreme Court Judge who exposed the racism in the court system in New York. I never heard of Bruce Wright and happen I purchased this book. I have a lot of respect for the author.

4 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Black Robes,White justice: Why Our Legal System Doesn't Work for BlacksI, February 23, 2006

By 

A. Johnson "book loan" (houston,tx) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Black Robes, White Justice: Why Our Legal System Doesn't Work for Blacks (Paperback)

I'm still reading this book. First time reading a book like this.This is one of the greatest. I recommend this book to be added to your library. It's gives truthful information of the legal system concerning the racism of blacks in the court system.