Includes bibliographical references (pages 215-254) and index.

Introduction : what is the common law inside the female body? -- Part I. Condoned self-regard in the common law -- Saying no to what we don't want -- Exceptions to condoned self-regard : prior voluntary conduct -- Women too may say no to what they don't want -- Part II. What follows -- Unwanted penetration -- Unwanted pregnancy -- Challenges, prospects, gored oxen.

In 'The Common Law Inside the Female Body', Anita Bernstein explains why lawyers seeking gender progress from primary legal materials should start with the common law. Despite its reputation for supporting conservatism and inequality, today's common law shares important commitments with feminism, namely in precepts and doctrines that strengthen the freedom of individuals and from there the struggle against the subjugation of women. By re-invigorating both the common law - with a focus on crimes, contracts, torts, and property - and feminist jurisprudence, this highly original work anticipates a vital future for a pair of venerable jurisprudential traditions. It should be read by anyone interested in understanding how the common law delivers an extraordinary degree of liberty and security to all persons - women included.