"The question of an individual's rights to bodily autonomy versus the state's power to regulate and control the bodies of its citizens is a difficult question indeed, and more important than it seems. In a series of landmark cases, U.S. courts have tackled these difficult questions. Their answers make up an evolving legal precedent as complex, fascinating, and difficult as the questions.". "In The Human Body on Trial, the first reference book to systematically examine this topic, historian Lynne Curry draws on close readings of U.S. Supreme Court and other twentieth-century legal decisions, supporting case materials, public health records, and legal and medical theory.". "The volume offers an extensive documents section of court decisions; an A-Z list of people, laws, and concepts; and a table of cases cited. An annotated bibliography and comprehensive index make this handbook an invaluable tool for scholars and students of political science, law, gender and ethnic studies, and civil rights."--BOOK JACKET.