Publisher's Synopsis
Throughout history, the law has regulated sexual behaviours. Some regulations eventually become outdated and are no longer enforced. For instance, many states have adultery laws that are rarely or never enforced. Other regulations have been adopted more recently, as culture and technology have advanced. For example, laws regulating internet pornography are relatively recent. Often, these regulations are controversial and prompt analysis and research. It is the purpose of this book to present a variety of original research and legal analyses concerning such regulations. Research in psychology and social justice is particularly applicable to the study of legal regulations of sexual behaviour. As such, this edited volume will take a 'psycho-legal' approach by addressing such issues using both psychological and legal principles. This book will contain original research articles, psycho-legal analyses, and psycho-legal briefs. All will involve current issues relating to the legal regulation of sexual behaviour and its outcomes. Some themes include access to sex (e.g., prostitution) or sexual materials (e.g., obscenity), teen sexual behaviour, the legal implications of the media's portrayal of sexual behaviour, the outcomes of sexual behaviour (eg: abortion), psychological factors that predict support for laws that regulate sexual behaviour and outcomes, and ways in which the legal system can improve the lives of those it serves. It is the goal of this book to present original perspectives and prompt discussion within legal and social science communities.
