Modern Family Law: Cases and Materials

by D. Kelly; Appleton Susan Frelich Weisberg

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 Weisgberg and Appleton 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 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

1296 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 1998

Reviews

[Grace Kendrick]

Too much extra info and articles without clearly communicating the actual rules of the cases. Very bland.

[Ke]

I guess I should be happy that I paid over a hundred dollars for a book that has picture and stuff. But more seriously, I am not sure what the pictures in this casebook contributed to my understanding of say, the ALI's Principles of Dissolution. That said, the editor selected many relevant opinions and excerpted relevant mainstream reading. I found the notes and questions part relevant as well.

[Cary S]

Weaknesses were mainly in relegating some pivotal cases to notes while highlighting unremarkable cases, and it was a bit bland at times (but what else is new?). The topic was interesting overall, but it didn't light too much of a fire in me...

[Sara]

I am reading this book for my class "Family Law."