ABSTRACT
Second-wave feminism has presented a profound challenge to both criminology as a discipline and the theory and practice of the legal system. This chapter demonstrates the dual impact of this challenge in relation to the subject of knowledge production via the case-study of Louie Calvert, who was executed in 1926. It suggests that the failure to carry out a full investigation into the exact identity and involvement of this man constitutes a severe lack of adherence to the founding principles of the British criminal justice system, principles. The chapter examines the state's involvement in its own of brand of knowledge production and truth manipulation emphasising those aspects of the case which strengthened legitimacy of Louie's execution. Louie's account of events is noteworthy for its specificity about the man alleged to be present, its frankness regarding the women's criminal intentions. The process of truth-production' engaged in by state servants was facilitated by Louie's failure to conform to discourses of acceptable femininity.
