Sexuality and the Law

This resource describes the social and legal history, milieu, precendents, and final decisions for 119 significant court decisions regarding sexuality. The cases are arranged in chapters dealing with such aspects of sexuality as reproduction (e.g., the constitutionality of eugenic sterilization, surrogate parenting); criminal law and sexual conduct (e.g., sodomy laws, solicitation laws); the family (unwed fathers, lesbian couples); discrimination in the civilian sector (same-sex harrassment, sexual privacy in the workplace); discrimination in the military and national security issues (gay soldiers, security clearances); immigration and naturalization (citizenship for homosexuals); and estates and trusts (gays' claims on lovers' estates) The chapters are written in a narrative style, and references to relevant cases are made. Each chapter begins with a list of readings for further information, and detailed case and subject-name indexes conclude the volume Although the preface indicates that this book is for people with some legal background, the writing is so exceptionally clear as to make it appropriate for all adult patrons. Large public and academic libraries whose patrons require more detailed information on specific areas of the law will want to consult, in addition, West Publishing's Nutshell series, whose volumes provide treatiselike coverage of such issues as AIDS law or sex discrimination. "Sexuality and the Law" is comprehensive and appeals to more general audiences, making it an appropriate first choice for public and academic libraries.

Booknews

A reference source for readers seeking information about the most significant court decisions on sexuality, sexual identity, and sexual behavior. The 119 cases examined deal with criminal and civil law regulation of sexual and reproductive decision-making and conduct, discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or lifestyle, as well as issues involving pornography and domestic relations. The articles are accessible to a general audience, with explanations of legal and scientific terms, evaluations of the importance of each case in the development of a particular area of the law, and references for further reading and research. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)