As we commemorate Black History Month, it is crucial to reflect on landmark legal cases that have significantly contributed to the ongoing struggle for racial justice. One such pivotal case is Batson v. Kentucky.
At James K. Batson's 1982 state-court trial for burglary and receiving stolen property, the prosecution used “peremptory strikes” to remove four possible jurors who, like Batson, were black. The resulting all-white jury convicted Batson; he received a 20-year sentence.
Batson challenged the removal of these jurors as violating his Sixth Amendment right to an impartial jury and the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. On appeal, the Supreme Court of Kentucky affirmed the convictions. The Supreme Court agreed to hear the case.
The Court held that the prosecution is not permitted to use its peremptory challenges to exclude potential members of the jury because of their race. "The harm from discriminatory jury selection extends beyond that inflicted on the defendant and the excluded juror to touch the entire community. Selection procedures that purposefully exclude black persons from juries undermine public confidence in the fairness of our system of justice."
In celebration of Black History Month, the Training Division is honoring black legal minds in the United States who have advanced civil rights and continue to inspire advocates to dismantle systems of oppression and work for a better tomorrow.
Defender Services and the Federal Defender family are committed to attracting, retaining, and advancing the most diverse and talented pool of professionals possible. If you are interested in opportunities to not only serve the public, but also to advance your career by working with some of the best legal minds in the United States, browse Federal Defender job opportunities.