An Introduction to

What is a Family?

You try to define it now…

Is this a family?

What about this?

And this…?

Or…?

And…?

What about these folks?

What is a Family… In truth there is more than one definition of

a “family”.

Usually laws that are made specifically define the type of family being referenced, e.g. “Single Family Home…”

Turn to page 359 and ponder questions d, e, f. Be ready to discuss your thoughts.

Most of what you do is private! Most personal interactions between

family members are private, meaning that the government cannot interfere.

However, there are some reasons why government might get involved, or pass laws that affect families.

Take five minutes and brainstorm a few!

Family Terms

Nuclear Family: Mom, Dad, children living together

Extended Family: As above and includes other family members such as a grandparent or uncle, etc

Family Terms

Blended Family: Usually after a divorce, when parents with different children live together. This would be step Mom and Dad with step children.

Single Parent Family: One parent with child, or children.

Birth

Without one of these it is difficult to get any other legal papers

A Naturalization Certificate is the adult equivalent for new citizens

When you are born the government issues you with a certificate proving who you are.

You also receive your own unique SSN# that uniquely identifies you.

Birth All children born (or

raised) in the U.S. are required by law to be immunized against certain diseases.

Schools will not allow you to attend until you have the required shots

Marriage Marriage is a reserved

power under the Constitution (10th Am.), so states have wide latitude in enforcing different rules.

What legal requirements do you know about?

Marriage Requirements: AGE

AGE

Most states require a couple to be at least 16 (with parental permission), while some states allow younger children to get married in case of pregnancy.

RelationshipForbidden relationships:

Parent, child, grandparent, grandchild, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, niece and nephew.

Not all states agree on cousins…

All states forbid marriage between immediate relatives.

Any sexual act between close relatives is considered INCEST, which is a crime.

People In this country, marriage

can only exist between two people.

Multiple wives/husbands are forbidden under law.

States vary as to the legality of gay marriage

Health requirements… Some states (including

NJ) require the married couple to undergo health screenings prior to marriage.

Syphilis, HIV

Consent BOTH parties in the

marriage must agree.

Arranged marriages, where one person is forced into marriage are illegal in the U.S.

Consummation

If sex has not taken place, the marriage can be annulled!

A marriage is not technically binding until it has been consummated.

Consummation means the couple have had sex after marriage.

The physical part of love is considered an important legal act…

Problems and issues

Take out your book…

Read pages 363 – 375,

Complete problems:

30.3 30.4 30.5 30.6 30.8 30.9