Publisher's Synopsis
Concerned with an analysis of sexual offences and sexual behaviour from a variety of perspectives, this work consider the construction and interpretation of relationships between sexual behaviour and the criminal process, by analyzing the criminalization and decriminalization of certain conduct. It analyzes the proper role of the state in defining and regulating matters of a "sexual" character and expounds the current law on a selection of sexual offences, such as homosexual offences; rape; indecent assault; and street offences. Analysis of the legal developments concentrates upon a number of apparent conflicts and anomalies, including the "public/private" dichotomy exemplified by the Wolfenden Committee Report; perspectives on "permissiveness"; notions of harm and consent; the age of consent debate; and the appropriate limits to state paternalism.
