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).
She has been appointed Global Professor at New York University School of Law.
Cantarella has argued that penetration was normal in ancient Greek pederasty.