What is a Family Justice System For?

In a time of austerity, medical emergency, and limited public funding, this book explores the role of the family justice system and asks whether it has a function beyond decision-making in dispute resolution. Might a family justice system even help to prevent or minimise conflict as well as resolving dispute when it arises? The book is divided into 4 parts, with contributions from 22 legal scholars working across Europe, Australia, Argentina and Canada. Part 1 analyses what constitutes a family justice system in different jurisdictions, and how a welfare element is included in the legal framework; Part 2 looks at those engaged with a family justice system as professionals and users; Part 3 examines new ways of working within a family justice system and questions the move towards privatisation; and Part 4 explores recent major changes of direction for the family justice systems of Australia, Argentina, Turkey, Spain, and Germany.