Law, Women Judges and the Gender Order: Lessons from the High Court of Australia

This book explores how women judges are situated as legal knowers on the High Court of Australia by examining whether a near-equal gender balance has disrupted the Courts historically masculinist gender regime. It conceptualizes the High Court as an institution with a particular gender regime shaped by the dominant gender order of society, and investigates how the gender relations have accommodated the presence of women on the bench. The book will interest scholars, legal practitioners, and researchers in judicial reasoning, gender diversity, and the legal profession.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 254 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book delves into the intricate dynamics of how women judges are positioned as legal experts on the esteemed High Court of Australia, exploring the profound question of whether the presence of near-equal gender balance on the Court has disrupted the historically patriarchal gender regime. Through a comprehensive and analytical approach, the book seeks to unravel the complex interplay between the courts, gender relations, and the evolving gender dynamics on the bench.

In order to answer these critical inquiries, the book adopts a methodology that conceptualizes the High Court as an institution with a distinct gender regime, shaped by the prevailing gender order of society at large. It recognizes that the interaction between the individuals who occupy these judicial positions and the institutional context in which they operate plays a pivotal role in shaping and perpetuating the courts' gender regime.

Rather than solely focusing on whether women judges have made a difference, the book delves deeper into understanding the intricate relationship between women judges and the law. It recognizes that this relationship is not solely determined by the individual judges but is also influenced by the broader institutional context in which they operate. By examining the interplay between the (gendered) individuals and the (gendered) institution, the book offers a fresh perspective on how we should interpret the role of women judges in the legal profession.

This book will appeal to a wide range of scholars, legal practitioners, and researchers with an interest in judicial reasoning, gender diversity, and the legal profession. It provides valuable insights into the unique dynamics of a courts gender regime at a particular time, shedding light on the complex interplay between gender, power, and the legal system.

In conclusion, this book is a groundbreaking contribution to the field of legal studies, offering a comprehensive and insightful exploration of how women judges are situated as legal knowers on the High Court of Australia. By challenging the traditional gender norms and examining the evolving gender dynamics on the bench, it provides valuable insights into the future of the legal profession and the role of gender diversity in shaping the legal landscape.

Weight: 480g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032132402