UNIVERSITY OF THE WEST INDIES

THE FACULTY OF LAW

FAMILY LAW I

INTRODUCTORY LECTURE AND COURSE OUTLINE

Worksheet 1

1. Selecting a Definition of Family

(i) A basic social unit constituted by at least two persons falling into one of three
categories

(a) A husband and wife or two persons living together in a manner similar
to spouses;
(b) A parent living with one or more children;
(c) Brothers and sisters or other persons related by blood or marriage.
Bromleys Family Law
Ninth Edition p.1

(ii) A family member in the narrow sense as two or more persons within a
private or institutional household who are related as husband and wife, as
cohabiting partners or as parents and child.
United Nation Statistical Commission

2. Evolving Definition of Family in the Law

(i) Not restricted to persons linked by marriage or blood;

(ii) A degree of mutual interdependence, the sharing of lives or commitment and
support;
(iii) Sexual element an important component;
(iv) A relationship which is not transient or superficial.
Fitzpatrick v Sterling Housing Assoc. Ltd [2000] 1 FCR 21 HL
But see also Joram Developments Ltd v Sharratt [1979] 1 WLR 928
FAMILY LAW I

Family Law I Introductory Lecture and Course Outline

Prepared by: Mrs Karen Tesheira Page 1
 COURSE OUTLINE

1. Marriage

2. Dissolution of Marriage

3. The Role of Mediation in the Dissolution of a Marriage

4. Spousal Maintenance

5. Ownership of Family Property

6. Inheritance Rights and Financial Provision

7. Domestic Violence

Recommended Texts

Jonathan Herring, Family Law - 4th edition

Bromleys Family Law 3rd edition
Cretney and Masson, Principles of Family Law - 5th edition

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Family Law I Introductory Lecture and Course Outline

Prepared by: Mrs Karen Tesheira Page 2