Influencial Women in The History of The United States

For many years, women have been underestimated largely throughout the years of the United States’ history. Women are commonly known for having protests from voting rights, having the same equality as men, or ability to own property. In the 1960’s, protests for women’s rights were strongly enforced again and it still continues to this day. Women have come a long way. In today’s world, women are now able to have all of that. Many individuals look at a law enforcement position as a ‘man’ job and not a women role. However, many women have been able to change that perception in the criminal justice field.

There have been many influential women in the history of the United States’ Criminal Justice System. Lola G. Baldwin “In 1908 she became one of the Unites States’ first female policewomen (McNamara 148).” She was hired in Portland, Oregon and was sworn in at age forty-eight. “Her mission was to prevent young, single working women from entering into lives of prostitution and crime (Oregon Public Broadcasting).”

Penny Harrington “In 1985 she became the first women in the United States to become chief of police in a large city when she was appointed to head the Portland Police Bureau (McNamara 148).” Harrington has much professional experience with discrimination and sexual harassment. She stated in an interview that “the single biggest obstacle is the culture that is unacceptable of women in law enforcement (Rios).”

Sandra Day O’Connor “...began serving as the first female associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States (McNamara 148).” She had taken her seat in September of 1981. She was very well known for being stern and firm with her carefully sought out decision making in many court cases. Although she is retired n...

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...most often reported that their children were in the care of the child’s grandparent (53%) or other relatives (26%) (McNamara 163).” Prison play-families are more often found in female prisons than in male facilities. This is because female prisons are structured more as family structures.

Women will always be different in the eyes of males in the criminal justice field. They face many challenges when entering this job position; between balancing a family and also balancing the discrimination they may face on the job. Women will always be underrepresented in the law, courts, and correctional until women are more comfortable and more understanding of this position even though they are starting to expand in the law enforcement agencies and courtrooms slowly. American spectators should focus on the benefits women bring to the table for the Criminal Justice System.