Two Cornell academics have done a statistical study of employment law case results in the federal court system. They published their results recently in The Harvard Law and Policy Review. Lots of data and charts. Here's their summary:
Nevertheless, we should disclose at the outset our concluding view that results in the federal courts disfavor employment discrimination plaintiffs, who are now forswearing use of those courts. Our study of the federal district courts shows employment discrimination plaintiffs bringing many fewer cases now. Those cases proceed and terminate less favorably for plaintiffs than other kinds of cases. Plaintiffs who appeal their losses or face appeal of their victories again fare remarkably poorly in the circuit courts. The fear of judicial bias at both the lower and the appellate court levels may be discouraging potential employment discrimination plaintiffs from seeking relief in the federal courts.
Wow!
