BECAUSE OF SEX and A LAW OF HER OWN

Abstract

Though published more than ten years apart, it is timely to review these volumes together. Both books adopt an historical perspective on women under men ’ s laws, with a strong message for the contemporary world. Because of Sex traces developments constituting, and bringing about, advances in how the law addresses women ’ s work and roles, and consequent change in society. A Law of Her Own proposes how the law should adopt a revised approach, substituting the ‘reasonable woman’ standard for the existing - generally ubiquitous – ‘reasonable man’ or ‘reasonable person’ standard – which Because of Sex indicates has at least to some degree, in some instances, occurred.