Motley Speaker Series: Language and the Law (EMS210205)

Friday, February 5, 2021

1:00 PM to 2:30 PM (Eastern Standard Time)

Webinar

Access Recording

The Constance Baker Motley Speaker Series on Racial Inequality is presented by the Connecticut Bar Association (CBA) and its Diversity and Inclusion Committee, in collaboration and co-sponsorship with the Connecticut Bar Foundation (CBF) and James W. Cooper Fellows

About the Program

This webinar will focus on the impact of language in the legal profession, particularly how diverse languages, accents, dialects and proficiency levels of parties, witnesses, lawyers and jurors impact legal professionals' perceptions of their legitimacy, credibility and professionalism.

You Will Learn

A brief review of linguistic diversity, accents, and dialects such as African American English (AAE)
Research outlining how perceptions of language in professional settings and how legal professionals react to different languages, accents, and dialects
The impact of these language perceptions and how they affect outcomes for people of color
Steps to combat linguistics bias

Who Should Attend

Lawyers, judges, other legal professionals, social workers, and other professionals who come into contact with individuals who speak different languages or dialects.