Moral Panics, the Media and the Law in Early Modern England

Discover the intricate relationship between media, governance, and societal fears in Moral Panics, the Media and the Law in Early Modern England by D. Lemmings. Published by Palgrave Macmillan in 2009, this compelling paperback edition spans 279 pages and delves into the moral panics that shaped public opinion and legal responses in 18th century England. Lemmings examines the emergence of media-driven anxieties surrounding crime, sexuality, and belief systems, positing that the rise of newspapers significantly influenced public sentiment and governmental reactions. The book also revisits earlier societal fears, including those related to cross-dressing and witchcraft, providing a comprehensive analysis of how these moral panics reflect the evolving landscape of Early Modern England. Ideal for scholars and enthusiasts of history, media studies, and law, this insightful work invites readers to reflect on the power of media in shaping societal norms and fears.