Cantarella is known for examining ancient law by relating it to modern legal issues through law and society perspective. She has researched subjects involving the legal and social
history of sexuality, women's conditions,
criminal law and
capital punishment. She has written many books, which have been translated into several languages, including
English,
French,
German and
Spanish. Cantarella is also editor of
Dike - International Journal of Greek Law and a member of several editorial boards such as
Apollo - Bollettino dei Musei provinciali del Salernitano;
Dioniso;
Crime, Histoire et Societés;
Revista des estudios latinos; and
CADMO - Revista de História Antiga (University of Lisbon). Cantarella has been professor of Roman law and ancient Greek law at the University of Milan, Italy. She has been dean of the Law School of the University of Camerino. She has also taught and given lectures at many universities in Europe and the United States. She has been appointed Global Professor at
New York University School of Law. Cantarella has argued that penetration was normal in
ancient Greek pederasty. ==Awards and honours==