The War on Sex

The War on Sex examines how American law enforcement and public policy have increasingly criminalized and regulated sexual behavior in recent decades. Editor David M. Halperin brings together essays from scholars, activists, and legal experts to document this expansion of state control over sexuality. The collection analyzes topics including sex offender registration, HIV criminalization, anti-prostitution laws, and restrictions on sex education. Contributors trace how these policies developed, their real-world impacts on communities, and the intersection with race, class, and gender discrimination. The essays highlight resistance movements and propose alternatives to current approaches through policy reform and grassroots organizing. Both academic analysis and first-hand accounts demonstrate the human costs of treating sex as a source of social danger requiring aggressive policing. The work frames sexual regulation as a form of social control that reinforces existing power structures while claiming to protect public safety. This collection raises fundamental questions about bodily autonomy, state power, and the role of criminal justice in managing human sexuality.

The War on Sex receives praise from readers for its detailed examination of how sex offender laws, HIV criminalization, and policing affect marginalized groups. Multiple reviewers noted the strength of the academic research and case studies presented. Readers appreciated: - Clear explanation of complex legal frameworks - Coverage of overlooked issues like sex worker rights - Balance of scholarly analysis with personal stories Common criticisms: - Dense academic writing style can be hard to follow - Some essays more engaging than others - Limited discussion of potential solutions Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (37 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (12 ratings) One reviewer on Goodreads stated "Important but sobering look at how criminal justice overreach damages lives." An Amazon reviewer noted "Excellent resource for researchers and activists, though not an easy read for general audiences."

Sex and the Law by ::Alison Diduck and William Wilson::. This text examines legal frameworks governing sexual behavior and rights across different jurisdictions and time periods.

Policing Sex by ::Paul Johnson, Derek Dalton. The book documents how law enforcement and state power structures regulate sexual practices and identities.

Bad Laws by ::Philip Johnston::. An analysis of legislation that criminalizes consensual adult behavior and its impact on civil liberties.

Sex and Punishment by ::Eric Berkowitz. A historical examination of how societies have controlled and criminalized sexual behavior from ancient times to present day.

The War on Kids by ::Cara Drinan. This work reveals parallels between sex crime legislation and broader systems of social control through criminal justice mechanisms.

📚 David M. Halperin edited this collection while serving as the W.H. Auden Distinguished University Professor of the History and Theory of Sexuality at the University of Michigan. 🔍 The book examines how sex offender registries in the U.S. grew from listing 250,000 people in 1994 to more than 800,000 by 2016. ⚖️ The collection features essays from over 15 scholars, activists, and legal experts exploring the intersection of criminal justice and sexuality in modern America. 📋 One key focus is how HIV criminalization laws have disproportionately affected marginalized communities, with 32 states having laws that criminalize HIV exposure as of the book's publication. 🗓️ Published in 2017 by Duke University Press, the book emerged during a period of increased debate about sex-related legislation and policy in the United States.