Law and Gender Commons^™

Theorizing Yes: An Essay On Feminism, Law, And Desire, Katherine M. Franke

Faculty Scholarship

In this Essay, Professor Franke observes that, unlike feminists from other disciplines, feminist legal theorists have neglected to formulate a positive theory of female sexuality. Instead, discussions of female sexuality have been framed as either a matter of dependency or danger. Professor Franke begins her challenge to this scheme by asking why legal feminism has accepted unquestionably the fact that most women reproduce in their lifetimes. Why have not social forces that incentivize motherhood – a dynamic she terms repronormativity – been exposed to as exacting a feminist critique as have heteronormative forces that normalize heterosexuality? Furthermore, she continues by …

Why Marriage?, Martha Albertson Fineman

Faculty Articles

Reflection on the prospect of varied, individualized possibilities for the meaning of marriage suggests, that in order to answer the question "why marriage?" we must first consider "what marriage?" or more succinctly, "what is marriage?" Questioning what marriage actually is calls attention to the institution's individualized and malleable nature. By contrast, a focus on "why marriage" highlights the societal function and rationale for the institution. I will discuss each question-the "what" as well as the "why" of marriage.

Identity Crisis: "Intersectionality," "Multidimensionality," And The Development Of An Adequate Theory Of Subordination, Darren L. Hutchinson

Faculty Articles

This Article arises out of the intersectionality and post-intersectionality literature and makes a case against the essentialist considerations that informed HRC's endorsement of D'Amato. Part I discusses the pitfalls that occur when scholars and activists engage in essentialist politics and treat identities and forms of subordination as conflicting forces. Part II examines how essentialism negatively affects legal theory in the equality context. Part III considers the historical motivation for and the efficacy of the "intersectionality" response to the problem of essentialism. Part III also extensively analyzes the "multidimensional" critiques of essentialism offered by the most recent school of thought in …

Exploring Feminism Globally To Achieve Global Feminism, Anna M. Han

Faculty Publications

Edited Speech delivered on October 6, 2000 at the University of San Diego Journal of Contemporary Legal Issues Conference on Intersectionality and Critical Race Feminism.

In writing this article, I kept thinking of the various stories that I heard during the workshops in Beijing and again I was struck by the commonality of the underlying issues facing women from around the world. While there may be dramatic political, cultural, linguistic and economic differences, I posit that there were more similarities than there were differences.

Holding-Up More Than Half The Sky: Marketization And The Status Of Women In China, Anna M. Han

Faculty Publications

The purpose of this article is to examine generally how Chinese women fared under communism and more specifically, delve into how marketization has adversely impacted the status of women in China. It is this author's contention that despite the overall improvements in the standard of living, Chinese women are increasingly being marginalized economically. The long-term effects of subjugating the advancement of women for the immediate benefits of China's experimentation with a market economy hold vast implications for the future of the country. As China progresses economically, politically and socially, it cannot afford to leave half of its population behind as …

Still Not Behaving Like Gentlemen, Ann Bartow

Elisabeth Haub School of Law Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

From Difference To Dominance To Domesticity: Care As Work, Gender As Tradition, Joan C. Williams

Faculty Scholarship

No abstract provided.

Staying Alive: Executive Clemency, Equal Protection, And The Politics Of Gender In Women's Capital Cases, Elizabeth Rapaport

Faculty Scholarship

In this Article, I will review the matrix in which executive decisions in women's capital clemency cases are made, a matrix supplied by modern equal protection law, the nature and scope of the clemency power, gender politics, and contemporary death row. I will then conduct two thought experiments. Each invented case tests the relevance of gender in legally and politically acceptable contemporary clemency decisions. The goal is to understand the politics and law of granting or denying that very rare boon-commutation of sentence - to a female death row prisoner. The exercise offers support for two conclusions. In the age …

Learning Through Service In A Clinical Setting: The Effect Of Specialization On Social Justice & Skills Training, Antoinette M. Sedillo Lopez

Faculty Scholarship

Arguing against the trend toward specialization in clinical legal education, this essay addresses potential limitations of specialized legal clinics in furthering the dual mission of clinical legal education: social justice and skills training. It points out that specialized clinics limit access to justice by leaving the myriad needs of clients partially unmet. They limit students' learning about the complex needs of clients and students' ability to discover broad inequities in the legal system. Specialization makes it more difficult to train students to be creative problem solvers, and affects their professional socialization

Class In Latcrit: Theory And Praxis In A World Of Economic Inequality (Foreword), Margaret E. Montoya

Faculty Scholarship

The fifth annual Latina/o critical legal theory ("LatCrit") conference was held on May 4-7, 2000 in Breckenridge, Colorado. The mountain resorts of Colorado present an almost metaphorical location for a critical theory meeting. The majesty and apparent harmony of the natural environment contrast so vividly with the cotidian conflicts in the human environment, and the elites exhibit a banal oblivion to the vicious racial and class-based violence that provide the grist for critical theorists. These resort locations dedicated to a lifestyle of money, recreation and pampering and infused with the invisible oxygen of privilege offer a space for theoretical work …

Ethnocentrism And Feminism: Using A Contextual Methodology In International Women's Rights Advocacy And Education, Antoinette M. Sedillo Lopez

Faculty Scholarship

I have proposed a method of comparative analysis that respects culture by contextualizing analysis of women's issues. I believe that we can help women around the world improve their lives while retaining their cultural values and identity. We can use comparative law as a tool to help identify laws that successfully address women's needs and those that do not. Comparative theory does not posit an evaluation of the law determining which law or legal system is "better." Rather, comparative theory can illuminate differences based on systemic and cultural diversity. Understanding these differences can help us understand how best to use …

Steps Forward And Steps Back: Uneven Progress In The Law Of Social Group And Gender-Based Claims In The United States, Karen Musalo, Stephen Knight

Faculty Scholarship

No abstract provided.

Compelled Medical Treatment Of Pregnant Women: The Balancing Of Maternal And Fetal Rights , Pamala Harris

Cleveland State Law Review

This note explores the question: is it ever permissible for a physician or a judge to compel a pregnant woman to submit to medical treatment for the benefit of her fetus? This note begins by examining the ideology of motherhood and the legal status of the fetus. This note then examines the ethical aspects and legal issues involved in compelling a pregnant woman to undergo treatment for the benefit of her fetus. This note then explores the controls of pregnancy that result in maternal-fetal conflicts. Finally, this note examines the court's use of a balancing test in reaching decisions in …

Table Of Contents - Cardozo Women's Law Journal, Vol. 7, Iss. 2

Cardozo Journal of Equal Rights & Social Justice

No abstract provided.

The Braided Uproar: A Defense Of My Sister's Hair And A Contemporary Indictment Of Rogers V. American Airlines, Michelle L. Turner

Cardozo Journal of Equal Rights & Social Justice

The article examines the discriminatory impact of employer-mandated grooming policies, particularly those prohibiting braided hairstyles, on Black women, using the case of Renee Rogers v. American Airlines as a focal point. It critiques the court's dismissal of Rogers' claims, arguing that such policies reflect systemic racism and sexism embedded in White beauty norms. The author advocates for legal reforms, including amending Title VII to recognize intersecting race and gender discrimination, and adopting a pluralist approach to cultural expression in the workplace.

One For My Baby, One More For The Road: Legislation And Counseling To Prevent Prenatal Exposure To Alcohol, James Drago

Cardozo Journal of Equal Rights & Social Justice

The note examines the legal and ethical implications of balancing fetal rights with maternal autonomy, particularly in cases where pregnant women consume alcohol, potentially harming the fetus. It argues that while fetal rights have gained recognition in tort law, criminalizing maternal conduct raises constitutional concerns, including privacy and equal protection. The analysis advocates for a balanced approach, combining moderate criminal sanctions with education and support programs to protect fetal health while respecting women's rights.

Expedited Hiv Testing: An Unnecessary Test That Is Allowing The State To Trample On A Woman's Constitutional Rights, Sheree Gootzeit

Cardozo Journal of Equal Rights & Social Justice

The note argues that New York's expedited HIV testing for pregnant women is unconstitutional, ineffective, and invasive, violating Fourth Amendment rights and offering no significant benefits over existing laws. It asserts that the testing infringes on privacy, bodily integrity, and informed consent, while alternative methods like urine testing could achieve the same goals without such violations. The analysis emphasizes the need to protect women's rights during vulnerable periods while maintaining public health standards.

Masthead, Cardozo Women's Law Journal, Vol. 8 (2001-02)

Cardozo Journal of Equal Rights & Social Justice

No abstract provided.

Table Of Contents - Cardozo Women's Law Journal, Vol. 8, Iss. 1

Cardozo Journal of Equal Rights & Social Justice

No abstract provided.

Betraying Women In The Name Of Revolution: Violence Against Women As An Obstacle To Democratic Nation-Building In South Africa, Suzanne A. Kim

Cardozo Journal of Equal Rights & Social Justice

The article examines the contradiction between the formal legal advancements in gender equality and the persistent epidemic of violence against women in post-apartheid South Africa. Despite the African National Congress' (ANC) commitment to gender equality and the inclusion of women in political processes, the reality of widespread violence against women undermines the nation's democratic ideals and highlights the failure to address gender concerns within the broader nationalist agenda.

Taming The Pernicious Creature That Is § 523(A) (15) Of The United States Bankruptcy Code, Jeffrey Margolin

Cardozo Journal of Equal Rights & Social Justice

The note examines the complexities of Section 523a(15) of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, focusing on the dischargeability of debts related to divorce, particularly property settlements. It critiques the legal handling of such debts, emphasizing the need for a more equitable approach. The analysis highlights historical context, judicial interpretations, and the impact of burden of proof placement on ex-spouses, especially women, advocating for a consistent and fair application of the law to balance the interests of debtors and creditors.

Fetal Neglect And State Intervention: Preventing Another Attleboro Cult Baby Death, Marilyn L. Miller

Cardozo Journal of Equal Rights & Social Justice

The note examines the legal and ethical implications of the Rebecca Corneau case, where the state intervened in her pregnancy due to concerns about the viability of her fetus and her refusal of medical care based on religious beliefs. The court balanced Corneau's constitutional rights against the state's interest in protecting the fetus, ultimately prioritizing the latter. This decision highlights the tension between individual autonomy, religious freedom, and fetal rights, raising significant questions about the limits of state intervention in pregnancy.

Drug Tests, Arrests & Fetuses: A Comment On The U.S. Supreme Court's Narrow Opinion In Ferguson V. City Of Charleston, Brigitte M. Nahas

Cardozo Journal of Equal Rights & Social Justice

The article examines the Supreme Court's decision in Ferguson v. City of Charleston, where the Court ruled that a hospital's drug-testing policy for pregnant patients violated the Fourth Amendment. The analysis critiques the Court's narrow opinion for failing to provide clear guidance on future drug-testing policies, while emphasizing the unconstitutionality of using such policies primarily for law enforcement purposes. The author argues that the decision leaves unresolved questions about the balance between government interests and women's privacy and reproductive rights, particularly in the context of prenatal care and drug use.

Self-Defense And Subjectivity, Victoria Nourse

Georgetown Law Faculty Publications and Other Works

The law of self-defense has rarely produced as much academic or popular heat as it has in the past two decades. Widely publicized trials, such as the Goetz and Menendez cases, have generated deep-seated fears of a law unmoored from principle. Those fears have generated a standard public critique--that the criminal law has become too soft and subjective, too wedded to syndrome science and prone to weak-kneed affection for defendants. The criminal law has lost its "objectivity," so the argument goes. The poster child, and even the alleged cause of this development, is the battered woman.

In this article, the …

For Terry Sandalow - Challenger And Creator, Christina B. Whitman

Articles

In the popular imagination, legal education is the experience of sitting in a classroom and being pushed to think deeply by a brilliant and demanding teacher. Some law schools are lucky enough to have a faculty member who actually fulfills this expectation - one professor in particular whose courses are the testing ground for the very best and most engaged students. When I was a student at Michigan in the 1970s, and until his retirement last year at the end of the century, that teacher was Terry Sandalow. For many Michigan graduates, taking Federal Courts or Fourteenth Amendment from Professor …

"There's No Crying In Baseball": Sports And The Legal And Social Construction Of Gender, Rhonda Reaves

Journal Publications

This Article analyzes the view that to be taken seriously as an athlete, women must replicate the behaviors prevalent in male-dominated sports. The Article focuses on sports in the educational context as an important opportunity for legal intervention. Because the law involves the allocation of resources and the policing of behavior by the government, this discussion prompts us to ask how resources should be allocated and what kinds of behavior should be encouraged and discouraged in promoting gender equity. In particular, the analysis of sports within educational programs offers an opportunity for a critical examination of current models of athletic …

Sexual Harassment Meets Zero Tolerance: Life In K-12 Schools Since Davis, Nan Stein

UC Law SF Journal on Gender and Justice

No abstract provided.

Gender And Intercollegiate Athletics: Data And Myths, Julia C. Lamber

Articles by Maurer Faculty

This Article explores what nondiscrimination means in the context of intercollegiate athletics. After reviewing the Department of Education's controversial Title IX Policy Interpretation, it critically examines the analytical framework used in Title IX athletic cases and concludes that commonly made analogies to litigation under Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act are inapt. A major part of the Article is an empirical study, looking first at gender equity plans written by institutions of higher education for the National Collegiate Athletic Association and then at data collected from more than 325 institutions pursuant to the Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act. …

Confronting The Agency In Battered Mothers, Elaine M. Chiu

Faculty Publications

Despite the progress of the last three decades, the American public and even feminists remain caught in a web of ambivalence and contradictory attitudes and beliefs about battered women. Are battered women traumatized victims who suffer at the hands of their individual abusers and from the systemic failures of a male-dominated culture? Are they, therefore, unable to save themselves or their children? In contrast, are these women survivors who manage to protect themselves as best they can under uniquely difficult circumstances? Do they deserve recognition for their efforts, or do battered women somehow contribute to or exacerbate their own abuse …

Has The Computer Revolution Placed Our Children In Danger? A Closer Look At The Child Pornography Prevention Act Of 1996, Alison R. Gladowsky

Cardozo Journal of Equal Rights & Social Justice

The note examines the constitutionality of the Child Pornography Prevention Act of 1996 (CPPA), focusing on its expansion of child pornography definitions to include virtual images. It argues that the CPPA is a necessary measure to protect children from exploitation, despite First Amendment challenges, and advocates for its constitutionality based on compelling government interests.