Gender stereotypes and attitudes within the judiciary of Bosnia and Herzegovina: a case for increased awareness and education

Abstract

Judges, prosecutors, attorneys and other court personnel bring their academic training, professional experience, legal diligence and good intentions to their work; they also bring their values, beliefs and opinions. The concept of gender is among those strongly influenced by cultural perspectives and is therefore a potential source of bias, affecting interactions among and between court professionals and court users. This article reflects on the findings of the first research effort aimed at identifying and examining the influence of gender within the judiciary of Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH). The views and opinions of 161 respondents – judges, prosecutors, attorneys and court associates in BiH – were captured through an anonymous online questionnaire and in-person interviews. Previous scholarship from North America and Europe is used to analyse the findings and to identify gender-related stereotypes and attitudes present within the BiH judiciary. This article concludes by arguing that if the BiH judiciary wishes to deliver fair and impartial justice, judicial reform efforts will need to prioritize gender awareness education and address the issue of gender bias.