The Poor Are Less Likely To Have Their Cases Reviewed by the Supreme Court

She's just 21, but lawyer hopeful Sydney Hawthorne already has done research to unlock the mysteries behind how cases reach the U.S. Supreme Court.

After a year of sifting through hundreds of documents, she discovered bad news for people who are poor: Their cases are less likely to get heard.

Hawthorne of Genesee County's Grand Blanc Township recently took home the grand prize at an undergraduate research forum at Michigan State University for her study on how the U.S. Supreme Court sets its agenda.

Among Hawthorne's findings: Paupers - low-income people who may include prisoners - are 30 percent less likely to have their cases reviewed.

"It was interesting to see the effect of (economic status) in deciding Supreme Court decisions," said the political science major, who plans to attend law school after she graduates from MSU.

"It's important for us to understand this process since Supreme Court decisions affect every aspect of our lives."

Paupers often can't afford legal services, such as filing petitions, which could be a major factor in their disadvantage, she said.

www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20110926/NEWS06/109260321/Study-Poor-less-likely-cases-reviewed