Discrimination against men before the law

A study published in the USA revealed that men are more severely punished than women for identical crimes. Given the disproportionate level of males in the European prison system, an important issue to study is the possible inequitable treatment of men by European courts. Male prisoners are often given inferior treatment in comparison to female prisoners, especially in terms of personal safety, physical comfort, and access to their children.

In France, girls who have their parent's permission may legally begin to have sex at 15, but boys are not allowed until 18.