This report surveys American and British experiences in applying law to problems of race relations, and assesses the achievements and setbacks in each nation. An overview of racial issues in the course of United States and British history, beginning with the slavery issue, provides a perspective on the common and different problems experienced by both countries. Discussed in this overview are the two countries' approaches to race relations and the political and legal traditions which shaped each of the approaches. Also discussed is the form and extent of legal intervention developed and undertaken by each country. Specific legislation referred to includes the Civil Rights Acts of 1964 and 1968 and the Voting Rights Act of 1964 in the United States and the Race Relations Acts of 1965 and 1968 in Britain. The effects of legal intervention are assessed along the dimensions of racial equality in education, and housing and jobs for blacks. Civil rights and black liberation movements in the United States and the entrenchment of racial discrimination in most areas of British society are also discussed. The author concludes that the governments in both countries can play a significant role in combating discrimination, and makes suggestions for making the role of the government in each case more effective. (EB)