Question

One of the ways the state shapes family life is by defining what relationships qualify as a family. In the textbook, the definition of family used by the government is described as the "legal family." What is the legal definition of a family?

Answer 1

Answer:

See description below.

Explanation:

**According to US Legal (2020):

Family is defined as “one or more persons occupying a single dwelling unit, provided that unless all members are related by blood or marriage, no such family shall contain over five persons, but further provided that domestic servants employed on the premises may be housed on the premises without being counted as a family or families." Greene County v. N. Shore Resort, 238 Ga. App. 236, 237 (Ga. Ct. App. 1999)

Another definition is as follows:

"n. A group of individuals who share ties of blood, marriage, or adoption; a group residing together and consisting of parents, children, and other relatives by blood or marriage; a group of individuals residing together who have consented to an arrangement similar to ties of blood or marriage."

Article 16(3) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights:

"The family is the natural and fundamental group unit of society and is entitled to protection by society and the State."

In a 2005 interpretative document in regards to the 1989 Convention, the United Nations added;

"The preamble to the Convention refers to the family as the fundamental group of society and the natural environment for the growth and well-being of all its members and particularly children. The Committee recognizes that family here refers to a variety of arrangements that can provide for young children’s care, nurturance and development, including the nuclear family, the extended family, and other traditional and modern community-based arrangements, provided these are consistent with children’s rights and best interests."

You can also take a look at: Duhaime's Law Dictionary or through suggested readings/sources/textbooks your teacher has provided.

NOTE:

As you can see, the term family has different legal definitions depending on which country, organisation or region. Just as every country has it's own law. BUT! Most of them follow the same general approach and the definitions contain similar characteristics. You can choose one of the above sources and investigate further depending on what laws your textbook/country/region refers to or follows.