This book provides in-depth studies of some of the leading family law cases which have shaped modern family law in England and Wales. Family law cases tend to raise highly controversial issues, often on striking facts, frequently provoking wider social debate and/or extensive publicity. Consequently, the landmark cases chosen for this collection provide considerable scope, not only for doctrinal analysis and explanation of the importance and impact of the decisions, but also for in-depth examination of the social or policy developments that influenced them. The stories behind the cases provide a fascinating insight into the complexities of family life and the drama that can be found in the family courts of England and Wales. ?a journey through the 'landmark cases' skilfully selected by the Editors of this Volume provides an effective way of making a study of the law both exciting and pleasurable. But these cases do more than that: they illustrate many of the great changes which have occurred (especially since the end of World War II) in society and in social institutions. The cases discussed also open up many of the fundamental (and often profoundly difficult) moral and social issues which have to be confronted by lawmakers and others who have to resolve them.