Illicit and Unnatural Practices: The Law, Sex and Society in Scotland Since 1900

This book explores the relationship between the law, sex, and society in modern Scotland, using case studies of sex-related offences to reveal how the legal process reflected and reinforced moral panics and was shaped by various factors. It highlights the enduring double moral standard with respect to female sexuality and the sustained importance of norms of sexual behaviour and masculinity.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 31 August 2020
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

This book offers a captivating exploration of the intricate relationship between law, sex, and society in modern Scotland, drawing on a diverse array of prosecution and trial records, as well as recent newspaper coverage of court proceedings. By delving into case studies of sex-related offences, such as abortion, bestiality, brothel-keeping, child sexual assault, and wilful HIV transmission, the book sheds light on the extent to which the legal process both reflected and reinforced contemporary moral panics and was shaped by the interplay between law officers and forensic experts, local community and civic leaders, and Scotland's distinctive legal and moral identity. The law in practice is shown to have played a significant role in upholding important norms of sexual behaviour and masculinity, as well as maintaining an enduring double moral standard with respect to female sexuality. This volume provides a remarkable new perspective on the sexual behaviours and ideologies of Scottish society across the twentieth century and into the new millennium.

Weight: 370g
Dimension: 155 x 233 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474441209