Race, Gender, and the Battle to Seat Constance Baker Motley, the First Black Woman Appointed to the Federal Bench

• In Event: Law, Judging, and Representation

Brief Overview

My analysis demonstrates that Motley’s appointment is the beginning of a long legacy of WOC being appointed to the federal judiciary, and that her treatment by the Senate was deeply influenced by her race and gender.

Author

• Taneisha Nicole Means, Vassar College