UCL - Aspects juridiques de la famille, de la sexualité et de la procréation

[SEXM2175]

[60h] 8 credits

Teacher(s): Thierry Moreau, Jehanne Sosson

Language: French

Level: Second

Aims
Main themes
Content and teaching methods
Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)

Aims

By the end of the course, students should be able to :
- identify what the law is and the special characteristics of a legal approach in relation to other human sciences involving families, couples and sexuality
- understand and resolve the different family problems using civil law in the field of both parent/child relationships and relationships of couples
- understand the various implications of the acknowledgement of respect for family life as a fundamental right
- perceive and understand the way in which Belgian and international law tackle current issues involving sexuality and reproduction
- be aware of the legal, criminal and protection implications and consequences, direct and indirect, of different kinds of behaviours involving sexuality and reproduction
- adopt a critical stance towards Belgian law in these different areas, identifying strengths but also weaknesses

Main themes

From the perspective of Belgian law (civil, criminal and medical), international and comparative law, this course deals with the main issues at the heart of contemporary society involving families, couples, sexuality and reproduction.
The following topics are covered, from a legal perspective :
- the concept of law and the different branches of the law dealing with couples, families and sexuality
- the legal concept of the person and rights of an individual
- the concept of the family and kinship in law
- legal parent/child relationships : filiation, adoption, parental authority, maintenance obligations
- the legal status of the couple : marriage (conditions, effects, methods of loosening the ties and dissolving), legal cohabitation, cohabitation.
- legal aspects of sexuality : infractions and sexual abuse, transexualism, homosexuality, sexually transmitted diseases
- legal aspects of reproduction : status of the embryo, lack of desire for a child (contraception, sterilization, abortion) and desire for a child (medically assisted reproduction).

Content and teaching methods

The topics and themes mentioned above are presented either in lectures or in a practical presentation which applies the legal principles under discussion (file-based discussion, case resolution, meetings with practitioners etc.)
The teaching methods are therefore selected and adapted to reflect the subject matter. Active participation from students is required for some topics, whether in preparing for the class, resolving a case or reading documents.
The course is divided into modules.
The content of the course may change according to current events.

Other information (prerequisite, evaluation (assessment methods), course materials recommended readings, ...)

Assessment : the methods of assessment will be explained by the lecturer(s) at the beginning of the course.
Support : two manuals will be made available to students. The first contains the main principles as well as additional texts.