This module aims to introduce
students to the main features of Family Law in England and Wales. It
aims to provide students with knowledge and understanding of the various
status relationships which exist (e.g. spouse, civil partner,
cohabitant, parent) and of the consequences which flow from them. The
module examines, in particular, the legal implications of family
breakdown whether the parties are a married couple, civil partners or
cohabitants, and whether or not they have children. The course considers
not only the rights and responsibilities of family members but also the
protective function of family law, in particular the law relating to
domestic violence and child protection. The adjustive function of family
law is also considered, in particular the adjustment of property rights
on relationship breakdown, whether the parties be spouses, civil
partners, cohabitants or other home sharers.
As well as giving
students a good grounding in black letter law, the module aims to foster
understanding of the social and policy issues which underpin the law,
and also trends and developments. Family Law is a rapidly developing
subject. It is also an area of law that deals with the trials and
tribulations of the human condition. For these reasons it is a
challenging, but fascinating, subject.
- Module Supervisor: Penelope Brearey-Horne
- Module Supervisor: Samantha Davey