Laws of Transgression: The Return of Judge Schreber

Laws of Transgression explores Daniel Paul Schreber's story, institutionalization after claiming God had communicated with him, and his book Memoirs of My Nervous Illness, which documented his visions, desires, jurisprudence, and theology. The book examines Schreber's complex relation to the law and his desire to become a woman, challenging law and heteronormativity.

Format: Hardback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 31 March 2022
Publisher: University of Toronto Press

Laws of Transgression delves into the captivating story of Daniel Paul Schreber (1842–1911), a prominent chamber president of the German Supreme Court who faced institutionalization after claiming to have received divine communication, urging him to transition into a woman. Schreber's journey was far from ordinary; he not only excelled as a judge but also became the author of one of the most widely discussed texts in psychiatric literature, Memoirs of My Nervous Illness. Published in 1903, this remarkable work vividly captured Schreber's visions, desires, jurisprudence, and theology. Contrary to expectations, Schreber's transition did not hinder his legal pursuits, instead, it fueled an intensified engagement with the law, driven by his determination to prove that becoming a woman did not diminish his legal competence. Over the past century, Schreber's experience of bodily change and his introspective account of his inner life have been subjected to extensive psychoanalytic and medical scrutiny. In the context of the contemporary trans turn, there has been a renewed interest in Schreber's desire to become a woman. In Laws of Transgression, Peter Goodrich, Katrin Trüstedt, and a collective of contributing authors embark on a comprehensive exploration of Schreber's intricate relationship with the law. This collection revisits and re-examines the Memoirs, not only in terms of their juridical and political implications but also as a transgressive text that has challenged law and heteronormativity.

Through meticulous analysis and thoughtful interpretation, Laws of Transgression sheds light on the multifaceted aspects of Schreber's life and work. It delves into his religious beliefs, his struggles with gender identity, and the societal pressures that shaped his experiences. The book explores the legal and political implications of Schreber's case, examining how his unconventional identity challenged the established norms of gender and sexuality. It also examines the broader cultural and historical context in which Schreber lived, exploring the societal attitudes towards gender and sexuality during the late 19th century.

One of the key themes in Laws of Transgression is the intersection of law, gender, and sexuality. The authors argue that Schreber's case highlights the complex and often contradictory ways in which these three aspects of human experience interact. They explore how the law, as a system of rules and regulations, can both constrain and enable individuals to express their gender and sexual identities. They also examine how the legal system has historically marginalized and stigmatized individuals who deviate from traditional gender norms, such as Schreber.

Another important aspect of the book is the exploration of the role of psychiatry and medical science in understanding and treating gender dysphoria. The authors argue that Schreber's case was a pioneering example of how medical professionals attempted to understand and treat gender identity disorders. They discuss the historical and cultural contexts in which psychiatry developed, as well as the ethical and philosophical challenges that arise when medical professionals attempt to intervene in the lives of individuals with gender dysphoria.

Laws of Transgression also offers a critical analysis of the ways in which gender and sexuality are represented and constructed in legal and popular discourse. The authors argue that the legal system often perpetuates harmful stereotypes and biases about gender and sexuality, which can have negative consequences for individuals who do not conform to these norms. They explore how legal and popular narratives about gender and sexuality can reinforce heteronormativity and marginalize individuals who deviate from these norms.

In conclusion, Laws of Transgression is a groundbreaking work that offers a fresh and nuanced perspective on the story of Daniel Paul Schreber. Through its comprehensive exploration of law, gender, sexuality, and psychiatry, the book sheds light on the complex and often contradictory ways in which these three aspects of human experience interact. It provides a critical analysis of the legal and cultural contexts in which Schreber lived and offers a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about gender and sexuality. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of law, gender, and sexuality, as well as for those who seek to understand the historical and cultural contexts in which these issues have evolved.

Weight: 510g
Dimension: 160 x 237 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781487509156