Comparative Family Law (LAW-619-001)
Saez
Meets: 04:00 PM - 05:50 PM (W) - Room 351
Enrolled: 15 / Limit: 16
Notices
Classes will begin on August 31. Students may add or drop the class through September 1. The drop or add must be processed through the WCL registrar’s office as the normal add/drop period ends August 26. On August 23 and 24 Professor Saez will be arguing a case before the Inter- American Court of Human Rights. The case, Karen Atala v. Chile, is about a mother who lost custody of her three children for living with her lesbian partner in Chile. Students interested in following the hearing can watch it live at http://www.corteidh.or.cr/. Students interested in the case can email Professor Sáez at msaez@wcl.american.edu.
Description
This seminar will explore the differences and commonalities in the conceptualization and legal treatment of families in different legal traditions. It will focus on the relationship between blood and family, and sex and family, analyzing how different countries shape family law using those two concepts. In addition to comparing how different countries or systems deal with different issues on family law, the seminar will also explore the role of international courts and international law in the shaping of family law in areas such as marriage and cohabitation, parenting, violence, and property, among others.
Textbooks and Other Materials
The textbook information on this page was provided by the instructor. Students should use this information when considering purchases from the AU Campus Store or other vendors. Students may check to determine if books are currently available for purchase online.
TBD
First Class Readings
“What is Comparative Law?
1. ALAN WATSON, LEGAL TRANSPLANTS: AN APPROACH TO COMPARATIVE LAW (1974), 21-30
2. Blair, Weiner, Stark and Maldonado, FAMILY LAW IN THE WORLD COMMUNITY: CASES, MATERIALS, AND PROBLEMS IN COMPARATIVE AND INTERNATIONAL FAMILY LAW 2009, 3-28
(Available soon at MyWCL)”
Syllabus
Use your MyAU username and password to access the syllabus in the following format(s):
Microsoft Word (DOC)
Adobe Acrobat (PDF)