The Price of Justice: Money and the Limits of Sexual Violence Lawsuits

Benjamin R. Weiss

Univ of California Press, Jun 23, 2026 - Law - 230 pages

Given an unpredictable criminal legal system and a fraying social safety net, sexual violence victims increasingly turn to civil lawsuits to find justice. They sue offenders and responsible organizations directly, seeking recognition, resources, and reform. But at what cost? Benjamin R. Weiss uses in-depth interviews and legal case analysis to reveal how the civil legal system's reliance on financial compensation to remedy sexual harm limits who can seek civil justice and on what terms. He shows that instead of delivering justice, the process often deepens inequalities and compounds suffering, especially for those most in need. In The Price of Justice, Weiss offers victims, advocates, and academics alike an astute assessment of the law's promise to rectify harm and redistribute power—and inspires readers to imagine what it would take to meet all victims' needs and drive lasting social change.

Contents

• The Business of Civil Justice: 23
• Defendants Worth Suing: 48
• Victims Worth Representing: 73
• The Best and Cheapest Evidence: 102
• The Elusiveness of Justice: 127
• Conclusion: 151
• References: 169
• Index: 209

About the author

Benjamin R. Weiss is Assistant Professor of Sociology at Occidental College in Los Angeles.

Bibliographic information

• Title: The Price of Justice: Money and the Limits of Sexual Violence Lawsuits; Volume 13 of Gender and Justice
• Author: Benjamin R. Weiss
• Publisher: Univ of California Press, 2026
• ISBN: 0520405501, 9780520405509
• Length: 230 pages
• Subjects: Law / Civil Law; Law / Gender & the Law; Social Science / Criminology; Social Science / Demography; Social Science / Gender Studies; Social Science / Sexual Abuse & Harassment; Social Science / Social Work; Social Science / Sociology / General