Attorney Benjamin Taylor on Equality in the Justice System
Introduction
Attorney Benjamin Taylor, the first Black president of the State Bar of Arizona, believes in a justice system that is fair for everyone, regardless of their socioeconomic status. As a civil rights lawyer, Taylor has defended the underprivileged and disadvantaged, including a woman wrongfully arrested in Scottsdale for a hit-and-run, who later won a lawsuit against the city. In this opinion editorial, we chat with Taylor about his efforts to promote equity and justice reform, and to pave the way for minorities to pursue law.
The Fight for Justice Reform
As the president of the State Bar of Arizona, Taylor is overseeing the regulation of the practice of law in the state, while also operating his own private practice. He believes that his position gives him a platform to fight for equity and justice reform, and to create a system that works for everyone.
Promoting Diversity in the Legal Profession
Taylor is using his position to promote diversity in the legal profession, and to encourage minorities to pursue law. He believes that it is his responsibility to pave the way for others, and to ensure that the legal profession is representative of all communities.
The Historical Oppression of Minorities
Taylor’s devotion to civil rights stems from his understanding and affinity for the historical oppression that some minorities, particularly African Americans, have endured under law enforcement. While progress has been made since the Jim Crow era, minorities remain disproportionately represented in the prison system, and police brutality continues to be a problem.
The Legacy of Thurgood Marshall and Dr. King Jr.
Taylor believes that it is important to continue the legacy of civil rights leaders such as Thurgood Marshall and Dr. King Jr. by fighting for the rights of the less fortunate. He credits these trailblazers for paving the way for his own success, and believes that we still need people who are not afraid to speak up for those who are marginalized and disadvantaged in our society.
Conclusion
As the first Black president of the State Bar of Arizona, Taylor has the opportunity to make a difference in the legal profession and the justice system. By promoting diversity and advocating for equity and justice reform, he hopes to create a system that works for everyone, regardless of their background or means. The fight for civil rights is not over, but with leaders like Taylor, we can continue to make progress towards a more just and fair society.
Originally Post From https://www.azcentral.com/story/opinion/op-ed/elviadiaz/2023/11/27/first-black-leader-state-bar-arizona-bar-talks-equality-justice/71671804007/
Read more about this topic at
Justice For All: Homepage
Justice For All
