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Can a Patriarchal World Be Corrected by a Criminal Law? Feminist Struggles, Penal Justice and Legal Reform in France (1970–1980)

Author

Listed:
  • Jean Bérard

    (School of Criminology, University of Montreal, Pavillon Lionel Groulx, 3150, rue Jean-Brillant, bureau C-4119, C.P. 6128, Succ. Centre-ville, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
    International Centre for Comparative Criminology, University of Montreal, P.O. Box 6128, Montreal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada)

Abstract

This article describes (1) the relationship between the demands made by feminist movements of the 1970s in cases of sexual violence and criticism of the criminal justice system by these movements and other groups, including the prisoners’ movement; and (2) the relationship between this debate and the legal process of reforming the definition and punishment of rape. Two periods are analyzed. In the early 1970s, the common cause of very different movements targeting the law was the priority given to the defense against forms of repression and disciplinary institutions. After 1975, the demands of feminist and prisoner movements diverged and even conflicted. One camp called for an offensive approach to changing the legal punishment of rape whereas the other camp fought against penal reforms imposed by the government and, more specifically, against long sentences.

Suggested Citation

  • Jean Bérard, 2016. "Can a Patriarchal World Be Corrected by a Criminal Law? Feminist Struggles, Penal Justice and Legal Reform in France (1970–1980)," Laws, MDPI, vol. 5(1), pages 1-14, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlawss:v:5:y:2016:i:1:p:12-:d:65065
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