Seminar: Swiss Family Law on Trial (HS 2024)

The seminar Swiss Family Law on Trial will take place in the fall semester of 2024 and is directed to Bachelor as well as Master students in Law.

This seminar aims to delve into the socio-legal dimensions of family law cases decided by or currently pending before Swiss courts and the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR). The focus will be on discussing cases related to the broader regulation of families, family law constituting the primary but not exclusive focus.

Students will be encouraged to examine these cases through a socio-legal lens, exploring how demographic shifts and scientific developments inevitably challenge outdated legal frameworks regulating family relationships. Taking this perspective will enable students to shed light on the (potential) societal implications of these cases/rulings. Additionally, it will provide them with an opportunity to reflect on the role of judges in bridging (or not) gaps between law and family realities.

This seminar presents a distinctive chance to delve into the rapidly evolving landscape of family law, encouraging participants to critically examine and engage with real-world cases whilst considering their connections with broader matters of social justice.

Number of Places: 12

Language: English. For students focusing on Swiss case law, it is possible to write in German.

Themes: A selection of topics can be found here (PDF, 159 KB). Students are welcome to suggest their own topic. The different topics will be introduced during our initial meeting on 17 April 2024. At this session, you will also be provided with details on how we plan to manage the selection of topics.

Location: The seminar will take place in form of a block seminar on 30 and 31 October 2024 within the University of Zurich’s premises (or surroundings).

Registration: Students will be able to register via the Faculty's online registration tool. Further information on how to register can be found here.

(Provisional and subject to change)

Please note that participation in all mandatory events and the meeting of all deadlines set out above is required for successful completion of the seminar.