Month: July 2008

The authors of Family Law: Text, Cases and Materials wrote this book specifically as a teaching and learning aid for undergraduate family law courses.  This is immediately evident in the style and layout they have adopted.  The key elements of family law, including property and finances, the law relating to children and child protection are extremely accessible and set out in a manner which makes easy reading for those venturing into the study of family law.

Primary source material is quoted in shaded grey text boxes, making it immediately identifiable and ensuring that it does not get lost within the remainder of the text.  Additionally, the book does not swamp the reader with too much information.  But it is an excellent platform for further research because it provides an overview of fundamental principles which can be easily understood.

Some of the more complex aspects of family law are not mentioned, for example, same sex relationships and international laws relating to child adoption and abduction.  This does not, however, diminish the value of the text since some of the topics which are not discussed can be found on the Online Resource Centre (which is a valuable source of further reading and information).

Family Law: Text, Cases and Materials is a must-read for students wishing to understand the basic principles of family law and is highly recommended.

Reviewed on 22 July 2008

Bromley’s Family Law is a comprehensive and well written text which covers a broad range of family law issues, including marital and parental relationships, childcare, guardianship and financial relief and support within the family unit.

Since its ninth edition, the authors have updated Bromley’s Family Law to include the most recent significant changes in family law, most notably the Civil Partnership Act 2004 (which came into force in December 2005 to allow same sex couples to enter into formal and legally recognised partnerships) and the Adoption and Children Act 2002 (which also came into force in 2005).

The authors also provide valuable background into the family law system in an introductory chapter which sets out the differing approaches to family law.  For example, the authors clearly explain the tendency of the law in previous years to base decisions on moral judgements and the move towards a ‘settlement culture’ without court involvement in recent years.

Bromley’s Family Law can be a little heavy going at times because of its detailed analysis, but the authors have countered this to some extent by writing in a straightforward way, without losing substance or appreciation of more intricate matters.  Whilst it may not be an ideal quick reference guide, the in depth coverage of such a diverse range of issues make it a useful and reliable source of information for those wishing to delve into the more complex questions and considerations surrounding family law.

Reviewed on 18 July 2008