Topics in Comparative Law

Marcelo De Alcantara (Graduate School of Law)

Objective
   The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of Japanese family law and explore a number of current issues from a comparative perspective. Case studies will be used to illustrate the major points.

Course Outline
   1. Introduction
   2. Marriage
   3. Divorce
   4. Parent and Child Relationship
   5. Paternity and DNA Testing
   6. Children Born out of Wedlock and Citizenship
   7. Parental Rights
   8. Adoption
   9. Same-Sex Marriage
   10. Abortion
   11. Reproductive Tourism
   12. Surrogacy
   13. Posthumously Conceived Children
   14. Custody of Frozen Embryos
   15. Summary and Review

Textbook
   There is no required textbook for this course.

References
   Course materials will be provided.

Evaluation/Grading
   Grades are based on attendance (1/3), participation (1/3), and a short paper (1/3).