Marriage on Trial: A Handbook with Cases, Laws, and Documents

by Lee Walzer

Overview

An examination of how the U.S. court system has shaped the boundaries of a central building block of American society from the colonial era to the present day.

Marriage on Trial: A Handbook with Cases, Laws, and Documents explores the evolution of marriage, a seemingly static institution that, in reality, has been dramatically redefined over time. An illuminating introduction tracing the reasons for ongoing controversies leads to a historical overview of the ways in which marriage has evolved, with a particular emphasis on women, racial minorities, polygamists, and homosexuals.

A review of significant court cases that represent key arguments regarding marriage—legal identity of women, polygamy, interracial marriage, rights of unmarried couples, and same-sex marriages—illustrates how the legal system has shifted with the changing mores of society. Will Americans ever tolerate polygamy? Will gay marriages be legally recognized? Scenarios of these and other possibilities for the future suggest that more change is in store.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781851096107
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	03/25/2005
Series:	On Trial
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	328
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.75(d)
Age Range:	13 - 18 Years

About the Author

Lee Walzer is an attorney and writer based in Washington, DC. His published works include ABC-CLIO's Gay Rights on Trial: A Reference Handbook.