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Murder, Medicine and Motherhood

Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Murder, Medicine and Motherhood investigates how unexplained infant deaths have been reframed as criminal cases in western societies since the 1990s. Focusing on Kathleen Folbigg’s controversial trial and appeals for the deaths of her children, Emma Cunliffe explores the intersection of legal standards, medical knowledge, and societal expectations of motherhood. The book argues that Folbigg was wrongfully convicted, analysing how medical evidence and cultural biases influenced the verdict and considering lessons from earlier cases such as those of Sally Clark and Angela Cannings.
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Format: Hardback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book is ideal for those interested in legal studies, medical ethics, forensic science, and gender studies, as well as professionals researching wrongful convictions and the complexities of infanticide cases.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

This book uses a case study of the murder trial and appeals of Kathleen Folbigg to examine the pragmatics of proof beyond a reasonable doubt.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Since the early 1990s, unexplained infant death has been reformulated as a criminal justice problem within many western societies. This shift has produced wrongful convictions in more than one jurisdiction. This book uses a detailed case study of the murder trial and appeals of Kathleen Folbigg to examine the pragmatics of proof beyond a reasonable doubt. It explores how legal process, medical knowledge and expectations of motherhood work together when a mother is charged with killing infants who have died in mysterious circumstances. The author argues that Folbigg, who remains in prison, was wrongly convicted.

The book also employs Folbigg's trial and appeals to consider what lessons courts have learned from prior wrongful convictions, such as those of Sally Clark and Angela Cannings. The author's research demonstrates that the Folbigg court was misled about the state of medical knowledge regarding infant death, and that the case proceeded on the incorrect assumption that behavioural and scientific evidence provided independent proofs of guilt.

Individual chapters critically assess the relationships between medical research and expert testimony; the operation of unexamined cultural assumptions about good mothering; and the manner in which contested cases are reported by the press as overwhelming.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Praised as an engaging and scholarly work, this book is noted for its meticulous research and readability. Reviewers highlight Cunliffe's bold interpretations and thorough critique of expert testimonies and cultural assumptions surrounding infanticide. It is regarded as a persuasive and enlightening study with valuable implications for research and legal processes on infant deaths. Readers have found the book capable of fostering meaningful dialogue and challenging stereotypes.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781849461573

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 27 May 2011

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Hart Publishing

Audience: Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 20.0mm

Width: 160.0mm

Height: 238.0mm

Weight: 520g

Pages: 246

About the Author

Emma Cunliffe is an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Law, University of British Columbia.

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