City Possessed

A harrowing account of a high-profile New Zealand criminal case involving child sexual abuse allegations, gender politics, and the law. A City Possessed details the events surrounding the Christchurch Civic Creche case, revealing how and why such a miscarriage of justice could occur. Lynley Hood's penetrating analysis exposes the social and legal processes leading to Peter Ellis's conviction, raising critical questions about our justice system and societal values. This edition arrives amidst renewed public interest in the case. This book is for lawyers, historians, sociologists, social workers, child health professionals, psychiatrists, and educational administrators. Readers will find a detailed examination of:- The complexities of child sexual abuse cases- The influence of social and political factors on legal proceedings- The impact of mass hysteria on legal outcomes