The federal government plays a strong and growing role in the regulation and legal recognition of families. This panel addresses fundamental and controversial questions concerning the federal government’s approach to such regulation and the federalism concerns it raises.
Federal law defines family relationships for immigration, recognition of marriage, and access to benefits for unmarried cohabitants, their children and other family members. Federal law increasingly dominates state approaches to child welfare, adoption and child support. The federalization of family law also reflects the development of international treaties regarding family law. The federal government uses federal funds to promote marriage and responsible fatherhood, while funding restrictions limit access to reproductive health services. This expansive federal role reduces individual state autonomy regarding family law matters. This panel examines the appropriate divisione between state and federal responsibility for family law and evaluates federal approaches to regulation of the family and intimate private lives.
Business Meeting at Program Conclusion.