We are delighted to share that Dr Laura Lammasniemi has been shortlisted for the prestigious Socio-Legal Studies Association (SLSA) Article Prize 2025 for her article Capacity to Consent to Sex: A Historical Perspective, published in the Oxford Journal of Legal Studies (OJLS).

The prize recognises the most outstanding piece of socio-legal scholarship published in the 12 months up to 30th September 2024.

Laura’s article explores how the concept of capacity to consent to sex has evolved historically. The article focuses on unreported sexual offence cases (1918–1950) often involving a vulnerable complainant including those below the age of consent and individuals with mental disabilities. Her examination of the cases reveals that capacity was neither fixed nor clearly articulated. Rather than being a purely medical or biological construct, Laura demonstrates that capacity was shaped by social factors such as class, gender, and even eugenic ideals.

Laura said: "I’m honoured that my work has been recognised in this way. Understanding the historical context of consent is really important as it helps us see how legal definitions have evolved and the challenges that still remain today. Even today, the law continues to grapple with similar, fundamental questions: who can make decisions about sex, whose consent matters, and why?"

The article is part of Laura’s larger, Leverhulme Trust-funded project on the history of sexual consent in criminal courts.

The winner will be announced at the SLSA Annual Conference in April in Liverpool.

Congratulations to Laura on this well-deserved recognition and best of luck!