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The legal system is designed to protect men from the…

“The legal system is designed to protect men from the superior power of the state but not to protect women or children from the superior power of men. It therefore provides strong guarantees for the rights of the accused but essentially no guarantees for the rights of the victim. If one set out by…” quote by Judith Lewis Herman
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“The legal system is designed to protect men from the superior power of the state but not to protect women or children from the superior power of men. It therefore provides strong guarantees for the rights of the accused but essentially no guarantees for the rights of the victim. If one set out by design to devise a system for provoking intrusive post-traumatic symptoms, one could not do better than a court of law.”

Judith Lewis Herman

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Legal frameworks protect accused more than victims, especially women and children, reflecting gendered power imbalances.

In simple terms: Law favors the accused over victims.

Key Takeaway

Advocate for victim-centered reforms.

Themes

justice gender inequality power law

Mood

critical analytical

Type

philosophical policy

When to use this quote

  • courtroom
  • policy making
  • advocacy
  • social services

Key Concepts

systemic bias victim rights legal theory

Questions to Reflect On

  • What legal changes would better protect victims?
  • How can society shift power dynamics?
A Different Perspective

Reforming law is complex and faces political resistance.

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