Lawyers, Litigants, and Interest Groups in the Judicial Process

Description:
Everyday, citizens become litigants (plaintiffs or defendants) in courts and rely on lawyers to help them navigate the complexities of legal cases. Over the years the legal profession has become more layered or stratified among type of law practiced, diversity of the field, and perhaps most noticeably pay. In addition, interests groups - probably better known for their attempts to influence legislative and executive branch decisions – have more than often pursued their policy goals in the courts.

Using the Internet or databases, research the role of lawyers and interest groups in the judicial process.

Write a four to six (4-6) page paper in which you answer the following:

Discuss the importance of lawyers in American society and government. Be specific and provide examples.
Be sure to address this question: Why have lawyers, from the early colonial years to the present, been so unpopular?
Describe the impact of stratification within the legal profession as it relates to the delivery and quality of legal services in the United States. Be specific and provide examples.
Examine the role of interest groups in the judicial process. Be specific and provide examples.
Be sure to address this question: How can a system that claims to be unbiased and impartial allow interest group participation in the judicial process?