Racism and the Law

Book excerpt: Racism and the Law is a text and casebook that provides an introduction to the close and complex relationships between race and law, legal institutions, and legal personnel. It combines original text with primary source documents such as judicial decisions and statutory materials. Historical, political, and linguistic analyses of legal materials are provided throughout the text. The book deals with the major historical legal developments that have caused and reinforced discrimination against African Americans, Asians, and Latinos, and addresses the courageous efforts of civil rights lawyers and organizations working for racial justice and equality in America. The volume is intended for use in undergraduate studies in several fields, including political science, history, African American studies, public policy, sociology, and criminal justice. It includes a bibliography for readers who wish to explore the topics in greater depth and the concluding chapter features specific directions for prospective lawyers who hope to work for racial justice in the early 21st century.