The use of the battered woman syndrome defense in the courts is controversial, particularly when women turn to homicide in response to a partner's abuse. Scholars worry that the syndrome has created a standard to which all battered women are compared. This book provides a comprehensive examination of the evolution of the syndrome and the contributions made by psychologists and legal scholars to aid our understanding of the use of battered woman syndrome evidence in trials of abused women who kill. Of particular interest is the way in which history, gender roles, and stereotypes play significant roles in evaluating defendants who claim to suffer from the syndrome. A vital text for any legal attorney who defends or prosecutes the alleged victims and perpetrators of this syndrome.