Grace Watkins

Legal historian traces history of ‘marital privilege’ in American law | Penn Today Penn Carey Law’s Serena Mayeri’s new book highlights how legal battles against ‘marital supremacy’ advanced equality and the challenges that remain.

It's publication day for "Marital Privilege," by my phenomenal Penn Carey Law colleague @serenamayeri.bsky.social! If you are interested in marriage, non-marital intimate relationships, family law, inequality, 20th c. legal history, law & social movements -- this book is a must-read! #LegalHistory

I hope the piece brings attention to a history that has remained largely out of public view. It also points to the risk that similar practices could spread as more religious institutions form their own police, such as the recent case of a megachurch in Alabama. Grateful for any thoughts or feedback.

Piety Police This Note uncovers the history of how the Brigham Young University Police Department blurred the boundaries between criminal law and church doctrine. These practices included sting operations that use...

My Note on the history of the BYU Police was published in the Yale Law Journal last week. I argue the department engaged in morals policing that blurred the line between law enforcement and religious discipline, especially through sting operations that used undercover students to pose as gay men.

Thank you so much, Jonathon!

Thrilled to host this amazing group at Drexel for another wonderful Family Law Scholars & Teachers Conference! Most grateful for the generous feedback, new ideas, and supportive community #FLSTC @drexelklinelaw.bsky.social