Contesting the Self: Negotiating Subjectivities in Nineteenth-Century Ontario Defamation Trials

11 Studies in Law, Politics and Society 3-40 (1991)

38 Pages Posted: 9 Jul 2014

See all articles by Rosemary J. Coombe

Rosemary J. Coombe

York University - Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies; York University

Date Written: 1991

Abstract

Understanding the hegemonic quality of legal discourse requires us to view hegemony as unfolding in multiple sights of discursive practice. Thus, we must begin to analyze not only hegemonic legal discourse but hegemony in social sights of legal practice in order to see that legal practice is essential in processes of domination and social ordering. In this article, I explore the processes of political subjection and resistance as they manifest in witness testimony and judicial decisions from late nineteenth century defamation trials in Ontario. I argue that slander and libel suits were integral in constructing particular legitimate knowledges about class and gender as categories of social identity.

Keywords: Legal discourse, Legal history, Defamation trials

Suggested Citation

Coombe, Rosemary J., Contesting the Self: Negotiating Subjectivities in Nineteenth-Century Ontario Defamation Trials (1991). 11 Studies in Law, Politics and Society 3-40 (1991), Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2463377

Rosemary J. Coombe (Contact Author)

York University - Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies ( email )

Toronto, Ontario M3J 1P3
Canada

York University ( email )

4700 Keele Street
Toronto, Ontario M3J 1P3
Canada

HOME PAGE: http://www.yorku.ca/rcoombe/publications.htm

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