The representation of women in the judicial branch: Eighteen Latin American High Courts in Comparative Perspective

Abstract

This article explores the representation of women in the high courts of eighteen Latin American countries. Using an unpublished database, we find that, as in the legislatures and ministerial cabinets, the number of women in high courts is small. The article also demonstrates that although there is little difference in judges' ages or postgraduate studies, men reach the high court levels more easily. Additionally, empirical evidence shows that, at the time of their appointment, the percentage of women with prior judicial experience is usually greater than for men. These results show that the greater presence of male judges is related not to academic merit or previous judicial experience but rather to a structural process of exclusion of women from political decision-making fields. In this regard, the article also finds that the few positions assigned to female judges are not in areas of great political significance, much less in the presidency of the high courts.

Judicial Reshuffles and Women Justices in Latin America

“…In 2008, the newly adopted constitution mandated gender parity in all branches and levels of government (Piscopo 2015). Still, it was not until 2012, after the Judicial Council adopted explicit selection rules that gave priority to women nominees, that Ecuador's high court became one of the few Latin American high courts to approach gender equity (Basabe Serrano 2019). Like Ecuador, Bolivia's 2009 constitution established gender parity across all institutions, including the courts.…”

Madame President, Madame Ambassador? Women Presidents and Gender Parity in Latin America’s Diplomatic Services

“…11On the gendered selection of women judges in Latin America, see Arana Araya et al (2020) and Basabe-Serrano (2019).…”