Black Barrister Denied Parking: Racism in Courts Exposed 2026

A black barrister was recently told by a security guard at a London court car park that parking was "not for defendants," highlighting persistent racism in the criminal justice system. Stephen Akinsanya, an OBE recipient for his work on youth knife crime prevention, shared the incident on the Criminal Bar Association podcast, sparking renewed debate about racial profiling in courts.

Incident at East London Court

Stephen Akinsanya, a barrister with over three decades of experience, attempted to park at an east London court building about four weeks ago. Despite wearing his barrister's attire, a security guard denied him entry, assuming he was a defendant. Akinsanya challenged the guard, who then "was completely embarrassed" and allowed him to park.

This incident echoes Akinsanya's first experience as a junior lawyer in 1993, when a security guard asked which case he was on trial in. "It was a sort of reflection of what happened when I first qualified back in 1993," he said, noting that little has changed in 33 years.

Systemic Racism in the Legal Profession

The podcast, titled "Being Black in Criminal Justice – Is the Profession Racist?", featured Keir Monteith KC, who shared similar experiences early in his career. Monteith noted that while he no longer faces such assumptions, many Black lawyers still do, especially those not yet recognized as KCs.

In 2020, the courts service apologized to two Black barristers after they were repeatedly mistaken for defendants—one three times in a day, the other twice. These incidents underscore a systemic issue that goes beyond individual biases.

Impact on Black Legal Professionals

Such racial profiling undermines trust in the justice system and creates additional barriers for Black lawyers. Akinsanya emphasized that "people are still prejudging an individual," which affects not only their professional dignity but also their ability to perform their duties effectively.

Despite progress in diversifying the bar, incidents like this reveal deep-seated stereotypes that persist. The legal profession must address these biases through training, policy changes, and accountability.

Data on Racial Disparities in Courts

Recent studies show that Black barristers are more likely to be mistaken for defendants or clients than their white counterparts. The table below illustrates the frequency of such incidents reported in a 2023 survey of UK legal professionals:

These numbers highlight the urgent need for cultural competency training among court staff and security personnel.

Key Takeaways

• Racial profiling in courts remains a significant problem, affecting Black barristers even after decades of service.
• Security staff and court personnel require better training to recognize legal professionals regardless of race.
• Institutional changes are necessary to ensure equal treatment and dignity for all within the justice system.
• Open dialogue and podcasts like the Criminal Bar Association's are crucial for raising awareness.

FAQ

As the legal community reflects on this incident, it is clear that more work is needed to create an inclusive environment where all professionals are judged by their expertise, not their skin color. Akinsanya's courage in speaking out serves as a reminder that progress requires vigilance and action.

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