From the Preface. The purpose of this volume is to furnish to the lawyer, legislator, sociologist and student a working summary of the marriage and divorce laws of the principal countries of the world. There are no geographical boundaries to virtue, wisdom and justice, and no country has as yet monopolized all that is best in creation. The mightiest of the nations lacks something which is possessed by the weakest; and there is no branch of comparative jurisprudence of more general consequence than that treating of marriage, which is the keystone of civilization. By "civilization" we do not mean community life according to the standard of a single individual or nation, but in its broader and better sense, meaning the civil organization of any large group of human beings. This book is not a brief in favour of, or against, any particular social system or legal code, nor has it a mission to assist in the reformation of any country's marriage and divorce law. In the compilation which follows our endeavour is simply to set forth positive law as it exists to-day, leaving its correction or development to the proper authorities. The editor has lived among the books of the British Museum, the Bibliotheque Nationale and other great libraries for years, seeking in vain for just such a compilation as is here humbly presented. We hope, therefore, that whatever may be its imperfections the book is justified, and will be welcomed as the first of its kind. In its compilation we have been pleased to observe that the evident trend of modern legislation is toward uniformity among the nations of Christendom on the vital subjects of marriage and divorce. In fact, modernity brings uniformity in every department of public and private law- a consummation devoutly to be wished for by those who feel that, no matter how short may be the individual's life, he is nevertheless a kinsman to all of the race who have gone before or are yet to come. A study of the marriage laws of the world has also brought the happy conviction that the wholesome view of marriage as the union of one man and one woman for life, to the exclusion of all others, is the one triumphant fact of human history which can never lose its prestige. The surest sign of the general betterment of the world's law is that woman everywhere is more and more being allowed her natural place in the community as man's equal and associate. That nation is most enlightened which treats its womankind the best. All the legislation of the past century bearing on the subject of marriage has elevated men by giving more justice to women. When the next Matrimonial Causes Act predicated upon the labours of the present Royal Commission on Marriage and Divorce is passed by the British Parliament, women will be given equal rights with men in our courts of law. The jurisprudence of England was not built for a day, and we are a people singularly bound by precedent, but when John Bull moves it is always in a straight line, and he never turns back.

For the past few decades, the divorce rate in America has remained around 50 percent; although this rate has declined since 1990, it remains high. However, the Journal of Divorce reported that a study of 273 typical college students showed that even kids who have lived through multiple divorces still expect to get married. A comprehensive A-to-Z guide to the facts and myths, The Truth About Divorce explains the social, legal, and personal effects of divorce. Using straightforward prose while refraining from a pedantic tone, this valuable resource guides readers toward a greater understanding of the topic while providing effective strategies for coping. Self-tests, Fact or Fiction? sidebars, and up-to-date statistics and charts engage readers and encourage discussion both at home and in the classroom. Topics include blended families, child support, divorce in America, love and marriage, and relationship challenges.

The Model Rules of Professional Conduct provides an up-to-date resource for information on legal ethics. Federal, state and local courts in all jurisdictions look to the Rules for guidance in solving lawyer malpractice cases, disciplinary actions, disqualification issues, sanctions questions and much more. In this volume, black-letter Rules of Professional Conduct are followed by numbered Comments that explain each Rule's purpose and provide suggestions for its practical application. The Rules will help you identify proper conduct in a variety of given situations, review those instances where discretionary action is possible, and define the nature of the relationship between you and your clients, colleagues and the courts.