Recent family law discussions
have largely centered on adult intimate relationships, overlooking the
significant changes also occurring in the parent-child dyad. This panel will
focus on the interplay between parents’ and children’s relational rights, and
how these have evolved to reflect demographic realities, new understandings of
childhood and adolescent development, and the sea change in marriage
jurisprudence. Topics may include definitions of parenthood, including context
and number of parents; the balance between parental obligations and rights; the
relationship between marriage and cohabitation and parenthood; as well as
children’s rights to a voice and influence in their relationships with adults,
their own education, and their discipline/freedom from harm.
Business meeting at program conclusion.