Women before the court: Law and patriarchy in the Anglo-American world, 1600–1800

Introduction: 'when Women Goe To Law, The Devill Is Full Of Businesse' -- Part I. The Courts And The Law. The Varieties Of Anglo-american Law : Property, Patriarchy, And Women's Legal Status In England And America ; Women As Plaintiffs And Defendants : The Common Law, Equity, And Ecclesiastical Jurisdictions -- Part Ii. The Family And Society. Masters And Mistresses, Servants And Slaves : Patriarchy And Subordinate Agency In The Household ; Wives And (unwed) Mothers : Women's Claims For Financial Support ; Inheritance And Family Feuds : The Legal Power Of Elite Women -- Part Iii. The Economy And Equity. Economic Expansion And The Erosion Of Patriarchy. Lindsay R. Moore. Includes Bibliographical References (pages 159-170) And Index. Electronic Reproduction. Baltimore, Md Available Via World Wide Web.