Responsibility, Law and the Family

This volume explores the concept of responsibility in family life, law and practice. The authors examine the distinctions between rights, obligations and responsibilities in their moral, social and legal forms. Divided into four parts, the study considers the nature of family responsibility, constructions of children's responsibilities, shifting conceptions of family responsibilities and family, responsibility and the law. The collection brings together some of the leading experts from the disciplines of sociology, socio-legal studies and law to explore moral, social and legal responsibilities prior to birth, to children, of children, and of the state towards family members. The volume seeks to inform and challenge the developing conceptualization of responsibilities which arise in interdependent, intimate and caring relationships and their legal regulation. The book will be of interest to researchers and practitioners working in this complex field.Jo Bridgeman, Heather Keating and Craig Lind are Senior Lecturers in Law in the Sussex Law School. Jo Bridgeman's research employs feminist legal theory to analyse the law relating to care of children. Craig Lind's research interests are in the areas of gender and sexuality, children in law, and family regulation across cultural divides. Heather Keating's research focuses upon the criminal law relating to children both as offenders and victims.