A really digestible and comprehensive overview of the justice system's view of sexual harm and victims'(/accused-parties') rights. I'd be happy to see this on a course syllabus intended for mixed audiences, Brodsky takes the time to explain topics at a very basic level that's clearly anticipating bad-faith arguments from detractors. ( )

DNF.

This is not a casual read.

The author's legal background heavily influences her writing, making it difficult to enjoy this book, in my opinion.

The author starts by arguing for the rights of victims of sexual assault, yet not much later she also argues for the rights of those accused of sexual assault. I don't disagree with either of those viewpoints, even though the second one is hard to remember sometimes that people are innocent until proven guilty. So, the author does have a valid, if not popular, point with this book.

My biggest problem with this book is that she fights for both points over and over and over again with different stories and different words to repeatedly make those points. I think this would have gone over better as a much shorter essay than an entire book. It's just too much.

I did give 2 stars simply because the author's research and knowledge of the subject are very prominent in this book. I won this from Library Thing. ( )

The author presents a fascinating portrayal of the American judicial system and its treatment of sexual assault and harassment. She looks at victims and accused, and presents accounts from both sides in an effort to find common ground and present a case for treating sexual justice as a civil right. Excellent and engaging read! ( )

The author here attempts to find better ways to deal with the ongoing problem of sexual harassment including rape. With many examples she how the victims end up being portrayed as aggressors and the perpetrators are seen as victims. Brodsky looks at both the legal system and also the educational system from secondary school through graduate school. She points out many issues but a key finding is something she calls exceptionalism (Sexual issues treated differently.) She feels these injustices should be handled in the same manner as civil rights, religious and and other forms of persecution were treated. ( )

This is an eye-opening book for those that are not in the legal profession, as Brodsky weighs and measures the choices that a survivor of sexual harassment or rape has in the workplace, school or even at home. Brodsky also points to the unintended consequences of solutions to these problems, such as mandatory arrests for domestic violence calls. Brodsky thoroughly covers the differences between criminal and civil actions as well as being sensitive to the needs of the victim. Brodsky points to the roots of misogyny in the law that date back to the 17th century, and even trials of witchcraft, but I suggest that the misogyny she fights against is far older and composes the very structure of our Western culture dating back to the Greek and Roman philosophers. Brodsky points to the thinking that still places women as evil seductive liars that still reverberates in the Western conservatism today. I like how Brodsky points out that some perpetrators are experts at manipulating the system while their victims that have a hard time testifying might come off as guilty. I suggest that the very structure of our culture results in internalized shame for women and the training that equates passivity with femininity sets them up for some male predators trained in entitlement. Brodsky dissects the idea of “Due Process” as the buzz word it has become for Male Rights Activists and their feigned concern for victims, which is actually no accountability for perpetrators. Brodsky emphasizes that finding justice is just as important for the accused, in ending the injustices that have occurred for centuries, or we are in danger of perpetuating more injustices. While the notes in this book are fantastic, it would be even better with a Bibliography to refer to. ( )