
audiobook
by Barbara Leigh Smith Bodichon
A BRIEF SUMMARY, IN PLAIN LANGUAGE, OF THE MOST IMPORTANT LAWS CONCERNING WOMEN; TOGETHER WITH A FEW OBSERVATIONS THEREON.
LAWS CONCERNING WOMEN.
REMARKS.
Transcriber’s note
This compact guide walks listeners through the basic legal framework that shaped women’s lives in nineteenth‑century Britain. It explains, in plain terms, how single women could own property, pay taxes, and even vote in local parish elections, while also detailing the stark limits on political franchise and public employment. The author also clarifies inheritance rules, the status of domestic servants, and the lack of legal recourse for seduction, giving a vivid picture of everyday legal realities.
The second half turns to marriage law, outlining which unions were permitted, the role of parental consent, and the procedure for civil versus religious ceremonies. Listeners learn about the legal consequences of bigamy, breach of promise, and the narrow exceptions for people deemed lunatics, deaf, or mute. By juxtaposing rights and restrictions, the book invites reflection on how these historic statutes echo in contemporary discussions of gender equity.
Language
en
Duration
~34 minutes (33K characters)
Release date
2025-10-11
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
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