Document Type
Article
Publication Date
9-2014
Abstract
Human service professions are increasingly acknowledging the ubiquitous role of culture in the human experience. This is evidenced in professional codes of ethics, professional school accreditation standards, licensing, and in some cases through state statutes regarding professional codes of conduct. Across professions, concerted efforts are being made to infuse standards of culturally responsive practice into curricular content and training. For example, instruction on cultural competence is expected in business and medical education.1 Psychology and social work both require their professionals to exercise cultural competence. When it comes to cultural competence/ though, the legal codes of ethics and professional practice are strangely silent. Legal education requires no courses on cultural competence.3 and neither the Model Rules of Professional Conduct nor the Michigan Rules of Professional Conduct make mention of culture.4 Despite this gap in legal training and professional guidance, lawyers routinely encounter cultural differences and will do so with more frequency as American society becomes more diverse.5 This article briefly describes what it means to be culturally responsive and examines selected cases in which cultural differences were explicitly considered. Finally, the article makes suggestions for attorneys regarding cultural sensitivity or cultural humility.
Recommended Citation
Chopp, Debra. "Arguing on the Side of Culture." R. Ortega and F. Vandervort, co-authors. Litig. J. Fall 2014 (2014): 10-3.
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Juvenile Law Commons, Law and Society Commons, Litigation Commons, State and Local Government Law Commons