Originally published in 1985 Gender, Sex and the Law explores the way in which the law, at its various levels of jurisdiction, justifies its discrimination against women in terms of the physiological differences between the sexes. The book examines the wider and most pervasive consequences of this as it affects women in their legal status, their rights, obligations and duties and in their confrontation with the law. Whilst it focuses principally on the contemporary implications of this legal perception in the sphere of crime, work and medical practice, there is also discussion of the historical development of these attitudes. The book has appeal across subject boundaries, it sets out what was bothering feminists lawyers and activists in the 1980s, matters still bothering us today.
This book is a re-issue originally published in 1985. The language used and views portrayed are a reflection of its era and no offence is meant by the Publishers to any reader by this re-publication.
Preface. Introduction. 1. Transsexual Troubles: The Discrepancy Between Legal and Social Categories Katherine O’Donovan 2. Women and Childcare: The Paradox of Divorce Susan Maidment 3. The Politics of Maternity: Childbirth Freedom v Obstetric Control Beverley Beech 4. Unequal Opportunities: Women, Employment and the Law Peggy Kahn 5. Pregnancy and Employment Law Judith Mayhew 6. Women, Immigration and Nationality W.I.N.G. London 7. Gender ‘Justice’? Defending Defendants and Mitigating Sentence Susan Edwards 8. A Plea for PMT in the Criminal Law Linda Luckhaus 9. Male Violence Against Women: Excusatory and Explanatory Ideologies in Law and Society Susan Edwards. Notes on Contributors. Index.
Biography
Susan S. M. Edwards is Professor of Law at the University of Northumbria. Associate tenant Red Lion Chambers London. She is Emeritus Professor of Law, University of Buckingham where she served as Dean of Law for many years. She is a Barrister and expert witness and has written in the area of gender for over 45 years. She is the author of several books and over 150 peer reviewed articles, including Opinion pieces for The Guardian, The Times and The Age (Australia).
.
