Introduction
This research study wishes to consider the current scope and resultant impacts of gender bias in the context of family courts in the United States of America. According to a recent report, “gender bias is reflected in attitudes and behaviour based on stereotypical beliefs about the sexes’ “true natures” and “proper roles” rather than on independent evaluation of each individual’s abilities, life experiences and aspirations” (Karlan, 1987, para.2).
Thesis statement
The scope and resultant effects of gender bias in the context of family courts in the United States of America is the thesis statement. This being said, it is now necessary and expedient to conduct a medium scale research, in order to assess the present facts and data surrounding this critical component of social living and how it impacts lives of ordinary Americans
Purpose and relevance of study
The chief objective of this study is to assess the current situation regarding the scope of gender bias in family courts, its resultant impact on the prevailing jurisprudential system. It also needs to take cognisance of how these issues could impact academic students, the legal profession and also the common view that would be held by beneficiaries of such research studies. Apparently, contemporary legal jurisprudence laws and practices are divided on this issue of gender prejudices in the jurisdiction of family court, and my studies are expected to throw fresh light and provide newer perspectives on this vexatious public issue.
Review of current dated Literature
This research needs to make compulsory library searches to gain literature on the Subject, Newspaper reports, journal articles and publishes sources of previous researches would also be reviewed and reported on a case-to-case basis. This being a subject within the legal ambit, this research would also need to take recourse to disseminate information from Law Journals, pronouncements of legal luminaries and documented verdicts from different courts arising from legal issues in the matter of gender discrimination and bias.
Who could benefit from this study and its findings?
For one thing, litigants appearing in family court cases could be benefited. For another, this could provide food for thought to sexist and chauvinist authorities who need to be guided on the correct and authentic procedures for hearing and pronouncing cases coming within the sphere of family courts
What potential impact could this study have on hearings in legal field?
This study could serve as an eye-opener on the ills that confront the justice delivery system in family courts and enforce remedies in its workings.
Methodology of conducting research
The preferred method for conducting research on subject of scope for, and resultant effects of gender bias in family courts would be in terms of surveys, interviews and questionnaire-based research of select respondents. The modus operandi would need to consider whether, at all, gender bias exists, and if so, the degree of impact on the workings of the said court. Through group interviews and discussions with authorities in this institutions and clients, these facts need to be ascertained in unbiased and proven manner.
Analysis and discussions
Would be based on the deliberations and findings of conducted research. Besides, the limitations of the research of this genre also need to be reflected through the progress of this study. Moreover, matters like who would be chief beneficiaries from this study and its findings, and how this could negate, or nullify current beliefs is also a matter of special interest in this research study. Despite its limitations, the contribution of this research to existing knowledge also needs to be understood in its proper perspective.
Conclusions and Recommendations
What the researcher hopes to learn through conducting the study, both personally and professionally?
The closing part of this study would summarise the deliberations of this study and also throw light on the enhanced learning that has been gained for the researcher, both in his/her professional or personal standing. Besides, this paper needs to offer concrete and viable solutions to major issues resulting from gender bias in family court settings in the US. “However summarizing findings across states is a crucial undertaking in order to determine the degree of today’s gender bias within our courts, as well as any changes across time due to feminist interventions” (Kathy & Magali, 2008, para.1).
Reference List
Karlan, S. (1987). Towards the elimination of gender bias in the Florida courts. Hein Online. Web.
Kathy, M C., & Magali, L. (2008). Characteristics of reports concerning gender bias in the courts, 1984-present. All Academic Research. Web.