Mothers on Trial
The Battle for Children and Custody

by Phyllis Chesler
2d ed. Lawrence Hill Books, 2011. 512pp. paper. $18.95

Reviewed by Joan Pedzich
Library Journal
June 15, 2011

http://www.phyllis-chesler.com/1007/mothers-on-trial

In this new edition of her 1986 groundbreaking book, Chesler, a psychotherapist and women's studies scholar, retires dated material and adds eight new chapters. By supporting her original contentions with new cases, the author demonstrates again that despite commonly held notions, courtroom custody battles continue to victimize mothers and their children, too often favoring fathers who are abusive, neglectful, or otherwise unfit. Chesler presents a good review of present-day legal trends, including the current darling of family courts, the joint-custody agreement. She relies on studies and experts to call into question the effectiveness of joint custody in all but the most mature and cordial of splits. Also new is a well-presented discussion of the challenges and biases lesbians face in custody fights with former husbands and the sometimes onerous conditions under which these mothers are allowed to retain custody.

VERDICT: Heavily documenting her book with legal precedent, expert input, and studies, Chesler makes her case with all of her zeal intact. Fresh, timely content, extensive annotations, and a helpful listing of resources on women's and children's issues recommend this book for legal and women's studies collections.

Related Topics:  Motherhood & Custody receive the latest by email: subscribe to phyllis chesler's free mailing list