Feminism and the Power of Law

Feminism still provides one of the most exciting areas of intellectual work. In spite of the view of some that we have entered a phase of post-feminism, it is still stimulating new ways of thinking and challenging mainstream thought. The area of feminist work on law and criminology has been a part of this intellectual movement. In this new collection of integrated essays, Carol Smart pushes forward the existing debate. Strongly critical of the ''women and law'' approach, the author presents a new, gendered analysis of the power of law and argues for a feminist, post-structuralist approach. The book offers useful comment on the recent US ordinances against pornography, as well as discussing current research on rape trials and abortion legislation.

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Table of contents : Introduction 1. The Power of Law 2. Rape: Law and the Disqualification of Women's Sexuality 3. A Note on Child Sexual Abuse 4. The Quest for a feminist Jurisprudence 5. Law, Power and Women's Bodies 6. Theory into Practice: The Problem of Pornography 7. The Problem of Rights Bibliography Index

Quotes

"Smart's Feminism and the Power of Law represents a worthy and learned attempt to acknowledge the power of feminism to construct an alternative reality to mainstream legal discourse. This is an important and provocative book which should be read by those unafraid of differing views of jurisprudence and students of feminist legal theory" - Melbourne University Law Review

"… an important and illuminating feminist analysis of the law … It is to be highly recommended for those concerned with sociology, women's studies, law, social work, public policy and the generally socially concerned reader." - Crime, Law and Social Change