Domestic Violence Law

This casebook presents students with an overview of the policy issues presented in domestic violence law, including the most controversial ones, and helps them think critically about those issues. The materials are designed to facilitate the free expression of all opinions and points of view. The materials contain pieces that are in direct contradiction to each other, helping to create a dynamic environment in the classroom. Because the phenomenon of domestic violence cannot be understood in purely legal terms, the materials are interdisciplinary. Domestic Violence Law is a collection of articles, book excerpts, cases and statutes focusing on the role of the legal system in regard to domestic violence. It offers separate chapters on topics including: cross-cultural issues, gay and lesbian battering, suing batterers in tort actions, children in homes where domestic violence takes place, law enforcement response, and victims of domestic violence as criminal defendants. The Second Edition has a greater focus on cases and statutes, a greatly expanded chapter on safety issues, and additional materials throughout the book raising the issue of how various policies affect victims of color