This excellent primer traces the development of feminist theories in a legal system to which women and feminists are relatively new. The authors traverse various feminist legal theories, describing their inherent differences, as well as their crucial common ground; their influence on the legal world; their successes both perceived and real; and finally, their dynamic nature, which prime activists and academics for social and political change...The book also raises issues of goals unfulfilled and challenges to come by providing an insightfully provoking discussion of diverse issues. It explores more traditionally feminist legal topics such as domestic violence and rape, current debates, such as single-sex schools and women in the US military, and larger issues regarding the applicability of feminist legal theories in the face of a shrinking, globalized world.

This excellent primer traces the development of feminist theories in a legal system to which women and feminists are relatively new. The authors traverse various feminist legal theories, describing their inherent differences, as well as their crucial common ground; their influence on the legal world; their successes, both perceived and real; and finally, their dynamic nature, which prime activists and academics for social and political change. . . . The book also raises issues of goals unfulfilled and challenges to come by providing an insightfully provoking discussion of diverse issues. It explores more traditionally feminist’ legal topics such as domestic violence and rape, current debates, such as single-sex schools and women in the U.S. military, and larger issues regarding the applicability of feminist legal theories in the face of a shrinking, globalized world.

This book is perfectly designed as a text for undergraduates. The writing is lively and accessible; the topic coverage is broad, interesting, and up-to-date; and the subject of feminist legal theory is represented in many forms. Levit and Verchick invite readers to engage in the debate over law’s impact on gendered controversies, and to select solutions from among competing visions of equality.

Feminist Legal Theory brings together a comprehensive and lucid treatment of feminist theoretical approaches to the most pressing legal problems of our time. This book will serve as an essential desk reference for those who are new to feminist legal theory as well as for those of us who are veterans.

"An important new assessment, wisely crafted, controversial, provocative, unusual, not just another addition to a settled field."