Synopses & Reviews
In this comprehensive overview of how the American legal system has approached issues pertaining to sexual orientation and how the law has advanced—or hindered—civil rights, author Lee Walzer reveals that while the United States has the world's most developed lesbian and gay community, it lags other countries on equality for sexual minorities.
Gay Rights on Trial focuses on four significant cases that have shaped the development of gay rights, including detailed discussion of majority and dissenting decisions and analysis of their legacy and impact. Also included are a chronology; a section of key people, laws, and concepts; a table of cases; key legal documents such as the Defense of Marriage Act and the Vermont Civil Union Act; and an annotated bibliography.
Review
" … it is well researched and clearly written in a style that students can appreciate. The value of the book lies in the extensive historical background and the analysis and impact of court cases … It is recommended for all college and university libraries." - American Reference Books Annual
Synopsis
• Provides an introduction to key issues and people in historical context, an analysis of court decisions that have shaped the current status of the controversy, and discussion of likely future events
• Specific legislation coverage on a range of topics including freedom of speech, equal protection, and due process
Synopsis
An in-depth examination of the relationship between gay rights, public opinion, and legislation since the late 1800s.
In this comprehensive overview of how the American legal system has approached issues pertaining to sexual orientation and how the law has advanced--or hindered--civil rights, author Lee Walzer reveals that while the United States has the world's most developed lesbian and gay community, it lags other countries on equality for sexual minorities.
Gay Rights on Trial focuses on four significant cases that have shaped the development of gay rights, including detailed discussion of majority and dissenting decisions and analysis of their legacy and impact. Also included are a chronology; a section of key people, laws, and concepts; a table of cases; key legal documents such as the Defense of Marriage Act and the Vermont Civil Union Act; and an annotated bibliography.
Synopsis
An in-depth examination of the relationship between gay rights, public opinion, and legislation since the late 1800s.
Synopsis
An in-depth examination of the relationship between gay rights, public opinion, and legislation since the late 1800s.
Synopsis
• Introductory essay covers issues from the changing notions of morality and the law to the various sides in gay rights disputes
• Contains edited excerpts of key legal documents such as Bowers v. Hardwick (1986), in which the Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of state laws prohibiting homosexual conduct
Synopsis
The struggle of gay and lesbian activists to pave the way for greater freedom and protection under the law in American society has been a long and heated one. As societal acceptance of gay lifestyles grows, judicial opinion both leads and follows public opinion.