Who can marry and the rules on nullity¿

Divorce¿

Financial relief and child maintenance¿

Domestic violence¿

The law and unmarried couples¿

Parental responsibility and the rights of the child¿

Children's welfare and section 8 orders¿

Child protection¿

Adoption¿

Surrogacy¿

Students will research and deliver a 20 minute presentation on a contemporary issue in family law.¿ The presentation will be followed by ten minutes of questions.¿
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The Assessment will assess the learning outcomes 1 - 4 as follows:¿

Explanation of the law governing family relationships:¿ In the presentation the student will explain the relevant law.¿

Identification and examination of relevant legal material:¿ In the assessment, the student will research and identify relevant legal materials and examine the justifications for them and their effectiveness.¿

Critical evaluation:¿ In the assessment, the student will analyse and evaluate the relevant law.¿

This module will have 13 one-hour sessions, 13 two-hour sessions and students will also have 161 hours independent study.¿

The one-hour sessions will be used to lead by the lecturer and will be used to explain the law issues and reflect on them.¿ Students will be encouraged to ask questions and there will be opportunities within the session to critically reflect on the law.¿

¿The two-hour sessions will be student centred and the student will be able to develop their knowledge and skills.¿ As this module is assessed by a presentation, these sessions will provide opportunities for students to undertake research and to present orally.¿ Students will be given formative feedback from the tutor and from their peers and they will be encouraged to reflect on their progress.¿

1 Explain the law governing adult relations or the legal position of children in England and Wales.¿

Knowledge, understanding and learning

2 Identify, critically analyse and interpret relevant legal materials¿

Enquiry and reflection

3 Critically evaluate the legal rules surrounding family law

Analysis

4 Communicate your explanations and analysis clearly and effectively

Communication

Oxford Law Trove¿

Family law journal and Child and Family Law Quarterly both available via lexis

S. Gilmore and L. Glennon Hayes and Williams Family Law¿ (7th Edition, OUP, 2020)¿

R. Lamont Family Law¿ (2nd Edition, OUP, 2022)¿

These two books provide a readable and comprehensive survey of family law and both are available on Law Trove. Students who want another text (not on Law Trove) should use J. Herring Family Law¿¿ (11 Edition, Pearson, 2023¿¿

Family law explores how the law regulates families. It examines relationships between adults: marriage, divorce, cohabitation and domestic violence and how the law supports children. Family law is a subject where the law has changed significantly in recent years, and where more change is inevitable.¿ Students will find a fascinating subject where their own experiences and views will be treated sensitively. Family law is a great and very useful subject for students who want to enter any of the legal professions, but it is also highly relevant for anyone who wants to work supporting families.