Modern Family Law

This comprehensive new Family Law casebook examines the conflict between respect for family privacy and deference to state authority. Using timely and well-chosen materials, authors Appleton and Weisberg convey an acute awareness of the impact of legal rules on people's lives. MODERN FAMILY LAW balances theory, practice, and history as it raises questions about the actual and appropriate role of the state in family decision-making. The authors concentrate on issues particular to family law, keeping their book well-focused and concise. After an introductory chapter on the constitutional right to privacy, The discussion progresses to: legal regulation of marriage definition of 'family' and nontraditional families with respect to housing, zoning, government benefits, torts, contracts, employment, and health the state's role in the regulation of divorce child custody adoption and new reproductive technologies Structured for maximum effectiveness as a teaching and learning tool, MODERN FAMILY LAW offers: heightened sensitivity to issues of gender, class, race, disability, and sexual orientation interdisciplinary perspectives from history, psychology, social work, medicine, and philosophy realistic questions and problems, derived mainly from actual cases and current events a preview of where the law is heading Instructors will appreciate the casebook's flexibility for use in courses of varying lengths and emphasis. A superior Teacher's Manual provides answers to all problems, suggests how much time to devote to each area, and contains sample syllabi. If you want your students to carefully consider what set of personal relationships qualify for legal protection and for what purposes, adopt MODERN FAMILY LAW for your next course.