Between Civil and Religious Law: The Plight of the Agunah in American Society

by Irving A. Breitowitz

Overview

.Breitowitz focuses on what many regard as the cutting issue of Jewish law as it grapples with the disintegrative forces of twentieth-century life: the problem of the Agunah or stranded wife. In addition, the Agunah issue raises intriguing questions about the impotence of religious law in a secular society and how the establishment and free exercise clauses intersect to facilitate or hinder the accommodation of religious interests.

All legal avenues available to secure relief are discussed, including the use of prenuptial agreements, the application of tort theory, and the rather exotic approach of the New York Get law, as well as the constitutional and common law impediments, to the implementation of these remedies. The text also includes comparative law material to illustrate how other legal systems, particularly the state of Israel, have handled this problem. As the most comprehensive book on the subject, it is invaluable to students of Jewish and family law and to practitioners of family law.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780313284717
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	07/20/1993
Series:	Contributions in Legal Studies , #70
Pages:	448
Sales rank:	718,100
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 1.00(d)
Lexile:	1840L (what's this?)

About the Author

IRVING A. BREITOWITZ is Associate Professor of Law at the University of Maryland School of Law, as well as a Rabbi and an attorney.

Table of Contents

Preface
The Nature of the Problem: Basic Dimensions and Contours
Halachic Responses
The Use of Contract Law (I): Express or Implied Promises to Execute a Get or Submit to Rabbinic Jurisdiction
The Use of Contract Law (II): Conditional Releases and Support Obligations
Interjurisdictional and Comparative Law Aspects of Civil Enforcement
The New York Get Law: Permissible Accommodation or Unconstitutional Establishment
Tort Law Theories
Current Developments in Church-State Law and Their Impact on the Agunah Problem
Conclusion
Appendices
Case Supplement
Selected Bibliography
Table of Cases
Table of Statutes and Regulations
Index