The book focuses on selected sex-offense cases in which the author was involved. In each case the author discusses her interaction with the rape victim, the evidence in the case, plea negotiations, defense and defender tactics, the behavior of the judges, and jury decisionmaking. In the course of her discussions of the cases and analysis of defendant behavior, she concludes that rape is not behavior that stems primarily from the sexual drive of the offender, but rather from the offender's desire to control and humiliate the victim in the context of sexual acts. She also notes that the criminal justice system tends to adopt a unique stance in rape cases that focuses on the victim's character and behavior while manifesting prejudice and stereotypical perspectives of male-female sexual interaction. The author concludes that often police officers, judges, elected officials, attorneys, and fickle juries contribute to a legal system that is reluctant to seek justice and apply appropriate penalties in rape cases.