The Beauty Defense

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Exploring the intersection of beauty and justice, this collection reveals how attractive women have historically evaded punishment for serious crimes. Through 32 true stories spanning from 1850 to 1997, attorney Laura James examines infamous femmes fatales whose looks influenced jury decisions. Cases like Madeline Smith, who used arsenic to resolve a romantic entanglement, and Susan Cummings, who shot her husband, illustrate the so-called Beauty Defense. This work highlights the impact of gender bias on legal outcomes and the cultural implications of beauty in the courtroom.