Law and Gender Commons^™

Lawful Neutral: The Justice System And Dungeons And Dragons, Laura Lea Williams

Cardozo Journal of Equal Rights & Social Justice

The note argues that the ban on Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) in prisons is rooted in outdated misconceptions and fails to recognize the game's potential as a rehabilitative tool. It critiques the judicial system's reliance on the Turner test, which has been used to uphold such bans, and advocates for a more nuanced approach that considers the game's benefits in fostering communication, empathy, and problem-solving skills among inmates.

Straight Actors In Lgbt Roles: Creative Casting Or Employment Discrimination?, Erica Ruff

Cardozo Journal of Equal Rights & Social Justice

The note examines the trend of casting straight actors in LGBT roles, termed "gay face," and explores its implications as a form of employment discrimination. It argues that this practice limits opportunities for LGBT actors and discusses the legal challenges in addressing this issue under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which does not explicitly cover sexual orientation. The note highlights the tension between anti-discrimination laws and First Amendment protections for artistic expression, noting that courts often favor the latter.

Kill Or Be Killed: Why New York's Justification Defense Is Not Enough For The Reasonable Battered Woman, And How To Fix It, Abigail Finkelman

Cardozo Journal of Equal Rights & Social Justice

The note argues that New York's justification defense statute is insufficient to protect battered women who kill their abusers, as it requires an imminent threat and proportionality, which are often not applicable in intimate partner violence (IPV) cases. The author proposes amending the statute to include a broader understanding of domestic violence patterns, allowing victims to justify their actions based on the escalating nature of abuse rather than immediate danger.

The Violence Against Women Act, Implicit Bias, And Judicial Training, Lorena Espino-Piepp

Cardozo Journal of Equal Rights & Social Justice

The note argues that the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) must be amended to include implicit bias training for Family Court judges and staff to address the systemic barriers faced by undocumented Latina immigrant women in accessing justice. These women often face compounded discrimination based on race, ethnicity, and immigration status, which undermines their ability to obtain immigration relief through VAWA protections. The author contends that without such training, the judicial system perpetuates inequities, as judges and court personnel rely on stereotypes that disproportionately harm women of color.

Coverage In Transition: Considerations When Expanding Employer-Provided Health Coverage To Lgbti Employees And Beneficiaries, Kathryn J. Kennedy

Cardozo Journal of Equal Rights & Social Justice

The rights of transgender individuals has been in the headlines during 2017 - ranging from President Trump's tweet to announce a ban on transgender individuals from serving in the military due to the "tremendous medical costs" to a nationwide injunction imposed by a federal district court on the HHS regulations that prohibit health-care discrimination against transgender individuals under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

There are three important reasons why transgender rights are in the news. First, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, designed to promote the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people, scores employers in its Corporate Equality …

Living Apart Together, Women, And Family Law, Cynthia Grant Bowman

Cardozo Journal of Equal Rights & Social Justice

"Living Apart Together, " or "LAT, " describes an intimate relationship in which a committed unmarried couple live in separate residences. This Article discusses whether this lifestyle is particularly attractive to women today. After exploring information available about women and LAT in secondary literature from other parts of the world, the author presents new empirical data about LATs in the United States, based on two surveys and a series of qualitative interviews from 2016 and 2017. She examines whether the women respondents and interviewees offer different reasons for living apart than the men do and discusses whether they choose LAT …

"I'Ve Got My Mind Made Up": How Judicial Teleology In Cases Involving Biologically Based Evidence Violates Therapeutic Jurisprudence, Michael L. Perlin

Cardozo Journal of Equal Rights & Social Justice

The article critiques the teleological reasoning employed by judges in cases involving biologically-based evidence, particularly in mental disability law. It argues that judges often prioritize pre-determined outcomes over evidence, leading to decisions that neglect valid scientific data and violate the principles of therapeutic jurisprudence.

Gender Bias In The Courtroom: Combating Implicit Bias Against Women Trial Attorneys And Litigators, Connie Lee

Cardozo Journal of Equal Rights & Social Justice

The article examines the persistent gender bias against women trial attorneys and litigators, highlighting the historical roots of this issue, presenting empirical data on its impact, and proposing solutions to address it. It argues that despite progress in gender equality, women remain underrepresented in leadership roles within the legal profession due to both overt and implicit biases.

Feminism In The Age Of Trump, Jennifer Ching, Mai Ratakonda, Miriam Ticktin, Claudia Flores, Julie Suk, Jocelyn Getgen Kestenbaum, Susanna Mancini

Cardozo Journal of Equal Rights & Social Justice

The symposium explores the challenges and opportunities for advancing gender equality through legal reforms, particularly focusing on the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) and the intersectionality of women's rights with other social justice movements. It emphasizes the need for a more inclusive and systemic approach to addressing gender inequalities, highlighting both the historical struggles within the feminist movement and the contemporary barriers to achieving substantive equality. The discussion underscores the importance of constitutional and legislative reforms, such as the ratification of the ERA, to address ongoing disparities in pay, representation, and access to reproductive rights.

"Boys Will Be Boys, And Girls Will Get Raped": How Public School Dress Codes Foster Modern Day Rape Culture, Stephan Wah

Cardozo Journal of Equal Rights & Social Justice

The note argues that public school dress codes perpetuate rape culture by disproportionately targeting female students, reinforcing patriarchal norms, and contributing to gender-based discrimination. These dress codes, often justified as preventing distractions, instead shame girls and place the responsibility of boys' behavior on them, thereby normalizing the objectification of women and supporting systemic sexism.

Working Towards The Welfare Of Our Children: An Argument For A Rebuttable Presumption Against Awarding Abusers Custody And Other Non-Legislative Proposals, Sapna Kishnani

Cardozo Journal of Equal Rights & Social Justice

The note examines the intersection of domestic violence and child custody determinations, highlighting the challenges faced by victims and the legal system in balancing the best interests of the child with the risks posed by abusive parents. It critiques the discretionary nature of the "best interests of the child" standard and proposes adopting Delaware’s rebuttable presumption against granting custody to perpetrators of domestic violence, while retaining New York’s preponderance of evidence standard. The analysis emphasizes the need for systematic approaches to child testimony and mediation to protect children’s well-being and ensure just outcomes.

Evaluating Opportunity In College Sports (Title Ix), Brandon Kai Golden

Cardozo Journal of Equal Rights & Social Justice

The note critiques the current interpretation and application of Title IX in college athletics, particularly the Three-Part Test used by the Office for Civil Rights (OCR). It argues that the test's focus on proportionality often leads universities to cut men's sports to achieve gender balance, which undermines the broader goal of gender equality. The author proposes a more nuanced approach, advocating for sport-specific evaluations and the elimination of the Contact Sports Exception to better align Title IX compliance with its intended purpose of preventing discrimination.

Same-Sex Marriage, Italian Style, Matteo M. Winkler

Cardozo Journal of Equal Rights & Social Justice

The article examines Italy's exceptionalism in same-sex marriage rights through the lens of the Bernaroli case, highlighting the country's divergence from European legal trends. It argues that the Italian Constitutional Court's heteronormative interpretation of Article 29 of the Constitution, which prohibits same-sex marriage, reflects a broader resistance to recognizing same-sex unions despite international human rights standards. The case underscores the tension between domestic law and supranational legal frameworks, such as rulings from the European Court of Human Rights, which have increasingly supported the recognition of same-sex relationships. The article concludes that while Italy has made limited progress with its 2016 …

The Myth Of Gender Equality In Turkey: Her Name Or Sir-Name?, Joseph Zand, Bahar Öcal Apaydın

Cardozo Journal of Equal Rights & Social Justice

Gender equality is one of the most contentious matters in the contemporary Turkish society. Unlike in many other parts of the developed world, Turkish women still struggle to use their maiden name, as well as to pass it on to their children upon marriage. A woman's surname is of crucial importance to her identity. Despite the fact that Turkey is a part of the European Civil Law tradition and the Turkish Civil Code has a specific provision regarding women's surnames, Turkey has failed to grant its female population a choice in relation to their surname after marriage. The European Court …

Religion's Power Over Reproductive Care: State Religious Freedom Restoration Laws And Abortion, Sophia Martin Schechner

Cardozo Journal of Equal Rights & Social Justice

The note argues that state Religious Freedom Restoration Acts (RFRAs), such as those in Missouri and Alabama, can be strategically used by pro-choice advocates to challenge restrictive informed consent laws for abortion, as these laws may violate the Establishment Clause and unduly burden women's religious freedom. By leveraging state RFRAs, advocates can resist reproductive care restrictions imposed by such laws, offering a novel legal strategy to protect abortion access.

My Hair Is Not Like Yours: Workplace Hair Grooming Policies For African American Women As Racial Stereotyping In Violation Of Title Vii, Dawn D. Bennett-Alexander, Linda F. Harrison

Cardozo Journal of Equal Rights & Social Justice

This article argues that workplace discrimination based on hair grooming policies disproportionately impacts African American women. The article seeks to establish that natural hair is an immutable characteristic, as is all hair, made mutable by social policies that impose an "acceptable" standard of beauty that was never meant to include or reflect black women. Often placed under workplace or other institutional grooming policies, the article posits that these policies are no more than a continuation of race-based policies that reflect unlawful stereotyping under Title VII and should be eliminated. Lastly, the article proposes a set of questions that test the …

Property's Immortality, Shelly Kreiczer-Levy

Cardozo Journal of Equal Rights & Social Justice

The law ofpost most-mortem transfers assumes an autonomous individual, free to will their property as they see fit. This Article offers a relational critique of this legal reality, and highlights the implications ofsuch a critique for gender equality. Although property's role in supporting relationships and facilitating cooperation has long been celebrated, post-mortem transfers pose a challenge to relational legal theory. It is commonly held that death puts a stop to all relationships and defies all relational commitments. This Article builds on a different perception of death, and argues that the need to transcend mortality is profoundly relational. Property-related projects can …

Housing Intersex Juvenile Offenders, Janae Hunte

Cardozo Journal of Equal Rights & Social Justice

The note examines the legal and societal challenges faced by intersex individuals, particularly in the U.S. prison system, arguing that current laws and policies fail to adequately protect their rights. It highlights the need for standardized guidelines and protections, advocating for federal standards that respect intersex individuals' autonomy and safety in prison housing. The analysis focuses on the intersection of medical normalization practices, constitutional rights, and legislative shortcomings, emphasizing the importance of addressing these issues through legal reform and policy changes.

Litigating Transphobic Bathroom Bills: Envisioning Comprehensive Legal Strategies For Trans Liberation, Noah Lewis, Andy Izenson, Harper Jean Tobin, Ezra Cukor, Joshua Block, Pooja Gehi, Julie Suk, Kate Shaw

Cardozo Journal of Equal Rights & Social Justice

This symposium examines the legal and social challenges faced by transgender individuals, particularly in the context of bathroom access and anti-trans legislation. It emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to trans liberation, combining legal advocacy, grassroots efforts, and education. The analysis highlights the multifaceted nature of trans rights, including the role of storytelling, intersectionality, and the impact of political shifts on LGBT protections. The symposium underscores the need for a comprehensive strategy to achieve equality and justice for trans communities.

Title Ix-A New Frontier For The Rights Of Transgender Youth? The Demand For Federal Regulations Clarifying The Act's Applicability, Elias Shebar

Cardozo Journal of Equal Rights & Social Justice

No abstract provided.

Gendering The Compliance Agenda: Feminism, Human Rights And Violence Against Women, Megan Louise Pearce

Cardozo Journal of Equal Rights & Social Justice

The article argues that while the due diligence standard in international human rights law has been a significant step forward in addressing violence against women, it has not yet delivered real change. The gap between legal promise and reality persists, and the article contends that addressing this gap requires integrating feminist insights into compliance theories. By applying feminist critiques to these theories, the article seeks to illuminate why the due diligence standard has been ineffective in eliminating violence against women and to highlight areas for future research.

Accident Of Birth Or Matter Of Choice: Legal Recognition Of Transsexual People In The Common Law, Kevin K.S. Tso

Cardozo Journal of Equal Rights & Social Justice

The purpose of the Article is to look at the recognition-or lack thereof-of transsexual people at common law in relation to the "proper" sex and gender with which they associate themselves. This Article will begin by addressing and defining transsexualism and how the medical community's position on this topic has evolved over the years. It will then look at the historical foundations of transsexualism in the common law, especially at the Corbett decision that held sway in England and Wales for over thirty-five years and was followed internationally. The Article will then provide an overview of the current positions in …

Challenge It, Choose It, Or Change It: Ethics Of Sexual Orientation Conversion Therapy For Minors, Scott Mccoy, Tia Powell, Hayley Gorenberg, Matthew Shurka, Stephen Hayford, Brad Hoylman, Edward Stein

Cardozo Journal of Equal Rights & Social Justice

No abstract provided.

To Pee Or Not To Pee? "Where" Is The Question: Transgender Students And The Right To Use Public School Restrooms, Melissa Sterling

Cardozo Journal of Equal Rights & Social Justice

No abstract provided.

Dressed To Oppress? An Analysis Of The Legal Treatment Of The First Amendment And Its Effect On Muslim Women Who Wear Hijabs, Nida Alvi

Cardozo Journal of Equal Rights & Social Justice

The note examines the legal treatment of Muslim women's right to wear hijabs in the United States, arguing that while the First Amendment protects religious expression, Muslim women often face discrimination and undue burdens in schools, employment, and public spaces. The analysis highlights how courts and institutions frequently question the sincerity of their religious beliefs and impose assimilationist pressures, undermining true religious freedom.

Annotated Legal Bibliography On Gender

Cardozo Journal of Equal Rights & Social Justice

No abstract provided.

Nowhere To Run, Nowhere To Hide: The Absence Of Public Policy On Intimate Partner Violence Abrogates The Rights To Health Care And Bodily Integrity Under The South African Constitution, Stu Woolman, Courtenay Sprague

Cardozo Journal of Equal Rights & Social Justice

An estimated 31-55% of South African women experience lfetime intimate partner violence ("IPV'). The imminent danger of physical, psychological or sexual violence that all South African women face daily not only threatens their very existence, it impairs their development and agency, and thus the ability of each woman to pursue a lfe that reflects her own comprehensive vision of a fulfilling way of being in the world. This article first establishes the legal basis for the proposition that the South African Constitution and South Africa's international obligations require a form of public intervention that has the ability to diminish IP …

Contested Spaces During Transition: Regime Change In Myanmar And Its Implications For Women, Amy Barrow

Cardozo Journal of Equal Rights & Social Justice

This article examines recent political and legal developments in Myanmar to promote and protect Buddhism and their implications for women. Myanmar is currently undergoing political regime change. While periods of transition often present an opportunity to contest stereotypical gender roles and discriminatory cultural practices, a rise in Buddhist ethno-nationalism risks undermining women's "spaces" in society. Drawing on qualitative research interviews with members of civil society and other actors in Yangon, this article discusses the accelerated development of laws on the protection of race and religion alongside the parallel development of Myanmar's first law specifically addressing violence against women, to explore …

The Sisyphean Course Of Combating Gender Discrimination In The Federal Marketplace For Prime Contracts: Rolling The Boulder Of Small Business Size, Anna S. Molina

Cardozo Journal of Equal Rights & Social Justice

No abstract provided.

An Expanding Human Rights Corpus: Sexual Minority Rights As International Human Rights, Xavier B. Lutchmie Persad

Cardozo Journal of Equal Rights & Social Justice

The article argues that sexual minorities are entitled to equal rights under principles of human dignity, equality, and non-discrimination. While international human rights frameworks like the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and regional systems, particularly the European Union’s Charter of Fundamental Rights, provide some protections, sexual minorities remain vulnerable due to the lack of explicit inclusion in most treaties. The European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) and the UN Human Rights Committee (HRC) have advanced protections through jurisprudence, but significant gaps persist, especially for transgender and intersex individuals. The article advocates for a specialized treaty to address these disparities …