For most of history, law has allowed and arguably encouraged domestic violence in marriage.

       Post World War II American culture is promulgated with images of increased consumerism (the emerging commonalty of electric washers, dryers, and television sets), financial prosperity and home ownership, rock n’ roll, and air plane travel.  June Cleaver, Donna Reed, and Jane Wyatt became the de facto images of American motherhood and wives.

     While Leonardo da Vinci, Queen Elizabeth I, and Alexander Hamilton would appear to have almost nothing in common they did share the same legal status: they were considered illegitimate children. 

     Few people have heard of Mr. and Mrs. James Luxford[i]. They were a married couple who lived in Massachusetts. Mr. Luxford was also married to two other women which became the basis of the divorce which Mrs. Luxford brought and was granted in 1639 against Mr. Luxford. In the end, Mr. Luxford was ordered to give Mrs. Luxford all of his property and he was banished to England.   Some would argue that divorce hasn’t really changed.