Legal Feminisms

Book excerpt: First published in 1998, this book explores the links between theories of feminism and the practice of law, and does so through an examination of a number of contemporary themes in feminist legal studies. From an interdisciplinary perspective, this book examines, as one of its overarching themes, the existence of a distinctively female legal voice, or voices. In arguing for a recognition of the diversity of women’s experiences of the law and in the law, it is also maintained that the role of feminism as a political strategy must not be lost. Feminist legal studies is one of the most exciting and dynamic areas of contemporary legal studies and the ambition of this book is both to capture and channel this dynamic. In introducing themes from politics, philosophy, literature, sociology and cultural studies, this book will be of interest to a wide ranging audience.