Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Unmarried couples'

Title from PDF of title page (University of Missouri--Columbia, viewed on Feb. 18, 2010). The entire thesis text is included in the research.pdf file; the official abstract appears in the short.pdf file; a non-technical public abstract appears in the public.pdf file. Dr. Lawrence Ganong, Thesis Advisor. Includes bibliographical references.

Cohabitation, as a relationship form, is becoming much more common in the United States. Approximately half of the persons currently in their 30s cohabit prior to marriage and more than half of all recent marriages were preceded by cohabitation between those marrying. Through the use of in-depth interviews I studied the transition between this new form of "dating" and the traditional course of marriage. Couples who cohabited with each other prior to their marriage were interviewed about how they made the transition to marriage. Couples' perceptions are what changed in the transition from cohabitation to marriage. The transition comes about through the passage of time, through external events which make an impact on the couple's relationship, and through beliefs about what certain events and behaviors mean.
Ph. D.

La cohabitació ha estat una realitat social històrica present en molts moments de la societat europea. A partir de finals del segle XX, esdevé una de les representants del canvi en la família occidental, afavorint la transformació de les concepcions entorn la parella i el matrimoni. Per aquesta raó la recerca que es presenta té interès en conèixer com s’estableixen les pautes de la relació cohabitant no només entre la parella i els seus fills, sinó també amb els seus parents. La recerca abasta un període històric ampli que va de l’any 1996 al 2014, fet que permet realitzar una comparativa important entre dues generacions de parelles cohabitants. Aquesta tesi examina els aspectes socials i culturals en les transicions del curs de la vida de les parelles no casades que cohabiten. Partim de la idea que la cohabitació, com a realitat familiar, cada vegada més estesa, ha tingut una influència decisiva en la interpretació de la relació de parella, esdevenint un espai ideal per a la innovació en els comportaments envers la parella i els parents propers a nivell dels rols, la sociabilitat i la solidaritat familiar. Viure junts sense matrimoni també genera efectes que poden ser assimilats cada cop més a la vida conjugal. L’evolució de la cohabitació ha anat situant aquesta forma de vida des d’una alternativa al matrimoni fins a situar-se en una reconfiguració de la idea de parella, que genera un nou discurs sobre el que representa la parella contemporània. Així, conviure sense casar-se afavoreix la innovació per la flexibilitat o liminalitat que comporta davant la incertesa o indefinició en els comportaments socials. La cohabitació ha esdevingut, en certa manera, la metàfora del que representa la integració conjugal, que reposa més en els hàbits que en les formes legals. A grans trets els resultats mostren com les parelles que conviuen sense casar-se, solen tenir unes relacions conjugals i amb els parents molt similars a les casades, però el fet de no haver iniciat la relació d’acord amb les pautes establertes pel matrimoni, que són clares i reconegudes per la societat, els permeten sortir-ne i elaborar noves pautes de conducta. La indefinició que genera el seu estat també es fa evident en la terminologia, que no es troba ben resolta i demana recórrer a conceptes que s’hi adapten de manera insuficient i que no acaben d’explicar clarament la relació. Entre aquestes unions, la legalitat i els papers són substituïts per un discurs que posa en valor l’amor i el compromís compartit per sobre de la resta de coses. Només entre algunes de les parelles de la primera generació podem trobar una clara resistència al matrimoni vinculada a les concepcions polítiques i ideològiques personals. Els rituals no deixen de vincular-se a aquesta realitat conjugal i trobem que les parelles entrevistades segueixen duent a terme rituals relacionats amb la parella, la filiació i la família tot i no estar casades. Si entre la primera generació moltes de les parelles es volien casar quan tinguessin fills, en molts casos per l’Església, en la darrera generació es veu com moltes d’elles es casen amb un o dos fills i contemplen la possibilitat de fer-ho amb una cerimònia civil. Així doncs, la cohabitació és part del motor del canvi familiar a Catalunya, amb uns trets que no la distingeix excessivament de les parelles casades, però que els permeten sortir de les normes en determinats moments. Caldrà veure si aquest fenomen pot acabar esdevenint en el futur una veritable alternativa al matrimoni.
This research is interested in knowing how to set the guidelines for the relationship not only between cohabiting couples and their children but also between the couple and their relatives. The research covers a broad historical period that goes from 1996 to 2014, allowing a comparison between two important generations of cohabiting couples. This research examines the social and cultural aspects in the course of the life of unmarried cohabiting couples. We start from the idea that cohabitation, as a family reality increasingly widespread, has had a decisive influence on the interpretation of the couple relationship, becoming an ideal place for innovation in behaviour towards the couple and the close relatives, in terms of the roles, family solidarity and sociability. The development of this coexistence has been placing this lifestyle as an alternative to marriage to the point of becoming a reconfiguration of the couple concept, generating a new discourse based on the idea of representing the contemporary couple. Therefore, living together without marrying encourages innovation for implied flexibility or liminality given the uncertainty or lack of definition in social behaviour. Cohabitation has become, somehow, the metaphor that represents the marital integration, which is based more on the habits than on legality. In general the results show how couples living together without marrying often have marital and kinship relations, very similar to those married, but, not having started the relationship in accordance with the guidelines established by the marriage, which are clear and recognized by society, let them develop new behaviour patterns. The uncertainty generated by their status is also evident in the terminology, which is not well resolved and has to resort to inadequate concepts which don’t clearly explain the relationship. In these unions, the law and the legal papers are replaced by a discourse that highlights the shared commitment and love above everything else. Only among some of the first generation couples we can find a clear resistance to marriage linked to their political and ideological conceptions. The rituals are still linked to this reality and we find that those married couples interviewed keep on performing rituals related to the couple, filiation and the family despite not being married. While in the first generation many couples wanted to marry when they had children, in many cases church wedding, in the last generation we see how many of them are married with one or two children, and contemplate the possibility of doing it with a civil wedding

En aquesta tesi doctoral s’analitza la normativa que determina la posició del cònjuge i del convivent en parella estable supervivent, quan es dissol el matrimoni regit pel règim econòmic matrimonial de separació de béns o l’extinció de la parella estable a la qual se li aplica el Dret civil de Catalunya, amb motiu del traspàs de l’altre cònjuge o convivent, amb veïnatge civil català. La conclusió a què s’arriba és que la posició del cònjuge vidu ha anat millorant des de la reforma de la Compilació del Dret civil de Catalunya de 1984, en un procés d’adequació als canvis socials i econòmics que s’han produït en les concepcions de les famílies durant les últimes dècades. Aquests canvis també han permès la regulació de la convivència estable en parella. Tanmateix, encara hi ha marge perquè el nostre Dret civil evolucioni i s’adeqüi d’una manera més efectiva a les necessitats de la majoria dels ciutadans de Catalunya, que són els que tenen un patrimoni de consum o de subsistència. En aquest sentit, entenem que caldria atribuir drets de caràcter legitimari a favor del supervivent en la successió voluntària, ja sigui en propietat o en usdefruit, o disminuir les quotes legitimàries dels descendents; derogar la quarta vidual; situar el supervivent en el primer lloc en els ordres successoris intestats i derogar l’usdefruit; així com derogar l’any de viduïtat. Pel que fa a la compensació per raó de treball en cas de mort, probablement tindrà una aplicació molt residual i no comportarà cap millora significativa per al cònjuge o convivent supervivent. La raó és que les atribucions per causa de mort s’imputen al pagament del crèdit a favor del cònjuge o convivent supervivent. Per al supòsit que s’arribés a atribuir al supervivent la condició de legitimari, caldria derogar aquesta institució. Quant al règim de separació de béns la denominació no concorda amb el seu contingut, degut als canvis que s’han anat produint. També es palesa que fora de la regulació d’aquest règim de béns hi ha correctius. Així l’any de viduïtat i la regulació en seu de Dret de família de les adquisicions oneroses amb pacte de supervivència només poden tenir sentit en el règim legal supletori. El procés de millora del cònjuge vidu en la successió intestada, en el fons ha estat pensat com un pal·liatiu, per tal de corregir les desigualtats que pot produir el règim de separació de béns. Pel que fa a la quarta vidual, la finalitat continua essent bàsicament la protecció del cònjuge vidu, que com a conseqüència del règim legal de béns, es pot trobar quan mor el seu consort que hagi atorgat testament, mancat de mitjans econòmics suficients. Per tant, hi ha uns vasos comunicants entre aquestes institucions i el règim de separació de béns. Pel que fa a la convivència estable en parella, proposem establir algun tipus de vinculació entre la llei aplicable a l’establiment de la convivència i l’anomenat “règim convivencial.”
En esta tesis doctoral se analiza la normativa que determina la posición del cónyuge y del conviviente en pareja estable superviviente, cuando se disuelve el matrimonio regido por el régimen económico matrimonial de separación de bienes o la extinción de la pareja estable a la que se aplica el Derecho civil de Catalunya, con motivo de la muerte del otro cónyuge o conviviente, con vecindad civil catalana. La conclusión a la cual se llega es que la posición del cónyuge viudo ha ido mejorando desde la reforma de la Compilación del Derecho civil de Catalunya de 1984, en un proceso de adecuación a los cambios sociales y económicos que se han ido produciendo en las concepciones de las familias durante las últimas décadas. Estos cambios también han permitido la regulación de la convivencia estable en pareja. Sin embargo, todavía queda margen para que el Derecho civil de Catalunya evolucione y se adecue de una manera más efectiva a las necesidades de la mayoría de los ciudadanos de Catalunya, que son los que tienen un patrimonio de consumo o de subsistencia. En este sentido, entendemos que sería necesario atribuir derechos de carácter legitimario a favor del sobreviviente en la sucesión voluntaria, ya sea en propiedad o en usufructo, o disminuir las cuotas legitimarias de los descendiente; derogar la cuarta viudal; situar al sobreviviente en el primer lugar de los órdenes sucesorios intestados i derogar el usufructo y también el año de viudedad. Por lo que se refiere a la compensación económica por razón de trabajo en caso de muerte, probablemente tendrá una aplicación muy residual i no conllevará ninguna mejora significativa para el cónyuge o el conviviente sobreviviente. La razón es que las atribuciones por causa de muerte se imputan al pago del crédito a favor del cónyuge o del conviviente superviviente. Para el supuesto de que se llegase a atribuir al sobreviviente la condición de legitimario, procedería la derogación de esta institución. Respecto al régimen de separación de bienes la denominación no concuerda con su contenido, debido a los cambios que se han ido produciendo. También se pone de manifiesto que fuera de la regulación de este régimen de bienes hay correctivos. Así el año de viudedad y la regulación en sede de Derecho de familia de las adquisiciones onerosas con pacto de supervivencia sólo pueden tener sentido en el régimen legal supletorio. El proceso de mejora del cónyuge viudo en la sucesión intestada, en el fondo ha sido pensado como un paliativo, para corregir las desigualdades que puede producir el régimen de separación de bienes. Por lo que se refiere a la cuarta viudal, la finalidad continua siendo básicamente la protección del cónyuge viudo, que como consecuencia del régimen legal de bienes, se puede encontrar cuando muere su consorte que haya otorgado testamento, sin medios económicos suficientes. Por lo tanto, hay unos vasos comunicantes entre estas instituciones y el régimen de separación de bienes. En cuanto a la convivencia estable en pareja, proponemos establecer algún tipo de vinculación entre la ley aplicable al establecimiento de la convivencia y el llamado “régimen convivencial”.
This thesis examines the Catalan law's regulation that determines the position of the widow when a marriage that is governed by separation of assets ends by death of one of the spouses. It also examines the position of the surviving cohabitant when the cohabitation ends by death of one of them, provided that Catalan Law applies to the cohabitation. The conclusion is that the position of the widowed spouse has improved since the reform of the Compilation of Civil Law of Catalonia in 1984, in a process of adaptation to social and economic changes that have occurred in the conceptions of the family during the last decades. These changes have also allowed the regulation of stable cohabiting couples. However, our civil law's evolution must go on to adapt itself more effectively to the needs of the majority of the middle class citizens of Catalonia. In this regard, we believe that the voluntary succession should be reformed in order that the surviving spouse or the surviving cohabiting becomes a forced heir, whether in property or usufruct, to reduce the legitime of the descendants and to delete the widow allowance; the widowed spouse or the surviving cohabiting should be located in the first degree of intestate succession, before children and descendants, and the year of widowhood should be abolished. Regarding the financial compensation by reason of work carried out for the household or for the other spouse in the event of death, it will not probably entail any significant improvement for the surviving spouse or cohabitant, because the Law assigns to the payment of the financial compensation any bequest ordered by the causer to the surviving spouse or cohabitant. If the widowed spouse and the surviving cohabitant become forced heirs, the financial compensation should be repealed in the event of death. The noteworthy changes introduced to the matrimonial property regime of separation of assets (the default regime if the spouses haven't agreed another one) have caused that its content does not correspond with the preserved name. In addition, there are other mechanisms to correct undesired effects of the regime of separation of assets: the year of widowhood, and the tontine clause in the acquisitions of assets by both spouses. The improvement of the position of the widow and the surviving cohabitant in intestate succession pursues the same purpose. Regarding to widowed allowance (despite the name, the surviving cohabitant may also claim it), it aims to protect the widowed who, with their own assets, those he/she may be entitled to owing to the settlement of the financial marriage system and those that the causer attributes to him/her mortis causa or in consideration of death, does not have sufficient financial means to meet their needs. Therefore, there are communicating vessels between these institutions and the matrimonial property regime of separation of assets. Regarding cohabiting couples, there should be some kind of link between the law applicable to the cohabiting couples and the "cohabitational regime."

Text in Afrikaans
Die artikel bepaal welke regsgevolge voortvloei indien 'n saamwoon-verhouding tot 'n einde kom. Daar word eerstens na die posisie in Engeland gekyk met verwysing na vererwing, gesinsgeweld, 'n deliksaksie weens verlies aan onderhoud, verdeling van eiendom en minderjarige kinders. Daarna word die posisie in Swede in oenskou geneem op dieselfde basis. Laastens word die regsposisie in Suid-Afrika bespreek. Die gevolgtrekking is dat saamwoners hier te lande swakker af is as in meeste ander Westerse lande. Die howe hier het nag min leiding gegee oar die klassieke saamwoonverhouding se implikasies. Gevolglik weet saamwoners nie presies wat hulle te wagte kan wees indien so 'n verhouding eindig nie. Enkele voorstelle vir regshervorming word verskaf.
The purpose of the article is to ascertain which legal consequences follow when a "common law" marriage is dissolved. Firstly, the position in England is evaluated with specific reference to inheritance, family violence, a delictual action for loss of support, division of assets and minor children. Thereafter the position in Sweden is evaluated on the same basis. Lastly, the position in South Africa is discussed. It is concluded that participants to a common law marriage in South Africa do not enjoy the same protection as in most other Western countries. The Courts have given little assistance in this regard. Consequently people that live together cannot be certain of the consequences when their relationship is dissolved. Suggestions are provided for legal reform:
Private Law
LL. M.

The focus of this study is on the criteria and processes used by the South African Revenue Services (SARS) in recognising spouses in permanent, unmarried unions. In theoretically positioning this focus, four possible areas of tax benefits were reviewed . These include: (i) donations tax, (ii) capital gains tax, (iii) estate duty tax and (iv) transfer duty. Also , the focus of this study was positioned relative to South African taxation acts. Specifically, three Acts were selected for review, viz.: (i) the Income Tax Act, No. 58 of 1962, the Estate Duty Act, No. 45 of 1955, and the Transfer Duty Act, No. 40 of 1949. These Acts may be understood relative to the South African Constitution's framing of notions like equality - given that these Acts signal the legislation's intention to honour the constitutional rights of its tax-paying citizenry. Furthermore, a theoretical framework that highlights official and espoused perspectives of practice is reviewed as it provides a theoretical frame for this study. Given this legislative and theoretical background the following aims were focussed: (1) To identify the official and espoused criteria used by the South African Revenue Services to recognise unmarried partners as spouses, and (2) To identify the official and espoused processes used b~ the South African Revenue Services to recognise unmarried partners as spouses. The chosen methodology is an explorative descriptive methodology, as situated within a qualitative framework. Data sources are described as constituting the three tax Acts, a senior SARS official, and SARS helpdesk personnel. Data selection criteria are described , and convenience and purposive sampling are the stated data selection techniques. Document analysis and interview schedules were used to collect data. Data was managed and analysed via the use of several data analysis techniques. Results are presented and discussed. Significantly, SARS has non-specific criteria that are nebulous, and open to interpretation. Furthermore, processes are poorly stated and provide insufficient guidance to the taxpayer. Given these outcomes, this study also offers two South African legal cases that cogently illustrate criteria and processes for recognising a spouse. Each of these cases are analysed regarding the criteria and processes used to determine the definition of 'spouse'. These cases, while dealing with issues of same-sex adoption and same-sex partner's rights to remuneration benefits serve to highlight factors that may be of use to SARS. Furthermore, international case exemplars are also discussed. Specifically, Canada's taxation laws were focussed. Canada's criteria and processes used to define common-law partners (read as spouse for purposes of this study) serves as an informative case exemplar, relative to other countries also investigated in this study, viz .: the United States of America , Belgium and other European countries. Finally, several recommendations are stated , and an evaluation of the study is provided.
Thesis (M.A.)-- University of Durban-Westville, 2002

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Wisconsin--Madison, 1994.
Typescript. eContent provider-neutral record in process. Description based on print version record. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 209-219).

Cohabitation is a complex phenomenon with a multifaceted trajectory. It carries different meanings for couples. It is not a permanent state but a transition, which is characterised by uncertainty pertaining to its future. Its future lies with men who still have the prerogative to decide its progression. Women can only live in hope. A qualitative, phenomenological, explorative, descriptive, and contextual study was undertaken with 21 participants whose ages ranged from 25 to 35 years. The goals of this study were threefold: (i) to develop an in-depth understanding of the place of cohabitation in the context of changing family patterns and lessons for social work intervention; (ii) to gain insight into the participants’ experiences in cohabiting relationships in relation to the benefits, challenges, and mechanisms to address any challenges; and (iii) to proffer lessons for social work intervention based on the participants’ perspectives. Data was gathered through semi-structured interviews and analysed following Tesch’s (in Creswell, 2009) framework. Lincoln and Guba’s model was utilised for data verification. The major findings of this study indicate that the majority of dating couples slide into cohabitation without a clear agreement on the progression of the transition or relationship. The meaning of cohabitation is gendered as most women regard it as a transition to marriage, hoping that one day their partners will propose marriage. Conversely, men simply enjoy the presence of a woman in the house. Surprisingly, none of the participants consulted social workers when they were experiencing challenges in their relationships.
Social Work
D. Phil. (Social Work)

The purpose of this study is to explore how people construct their intimate relationships, and to describe the patterns of connection and disconnection and their meanings within the social and cultural contexts of these relationships. It attempts to describe how the participating couples' relationships may or may not have changed due to the research process consisting of reflections and joint story telling, and the interventions of the researcher. Social constructionism is the epistemological framework of this study and indepth unstructured interviews with a cohabiting and a married couple were conducted. Hermeneutics was the method used to analyse the data. The participants' stories were recounted through the researcher's lens in the form of themes characterising their relationships. A comparative analysis was undertaken between the common themes identified in the two participating couples and literature. The information gained could assist couples and professionals in respecting heterosexual intimate relationships in their specific contexts.
Psychology
M.A. (Clinical Psychology)

With the advent of a new constitutional dispensation in South Africa, intimate relationships that were not formally recognised, such as customary marriages, became fully recognised through designated legislation. Domestic partnerships are, however, afforded only limited recognition despite compelling reasons that lead people to domestic partnerships. Domestic partners are also discriminated against based on marital status despite a Constitution that forbids discrimination based on equality, human dignity and marital status. The object of this study is to investigate whether there are sufficient grounds to afford domestic partnerships full recognition similar to that granted to civil marriage. This study includes arguments in favour and against the recognition of domestic partnerships and a discussion of the reasons that lead people into domestic partnerships. There will also be an analysis of the draft Domestic Partnership Bill 36 of 2008 to determine the suitability of the draft Bill to regulate domestic partnerships. This investigation is conducted with reference to relevant draft Bills, legislation, and case law.
Private Law
LLM

Text in Afrikaans, abstract in Afrikaans and English
Die regsposisie van die deelgenote tot 'n de facto huwelik word krities ondersoek met inagneming van die huidige Suid-Afrikaanse regsposisie, oorsigtelike regsvergelyking, die morele argument, en die invloed van die Grondwet van Suid-Afrika. Die verskillende vorme van de facto huwelike in sy bree interpretasie word in oenskou geneem en die volgende verbindings word bespreek: saamwoonverhoudings; inheemsregtelike huwelike; huwelike voortspruitend uit godsdienstige tradisies; en homoseksuele huwelike. Dit word gevind dat die Suid-Afrikaanse regsposisie tans baie onbevredigend is. Sekere voorstelle vir wysigings word aan die hand gedoen, en daar word gewys op die unieke kenmerke van die Suid-Afrikaanse situasie wat in ag geneem moet word in die vorming van 'n nuwe benadering. Dit word bepleit dat die regslui die uitdaging moet aangryp en met innoverende denke 'n nuwe bestel vir die Suid-Afrikaanse reg moet skep wat buigbaar en soepel is, maar terselfdertyd regsekerheid bevorder.
The legal status of the parties to a de facto marriage is investigated, taking into consideration the present South African position, legal comparison, the moral argument, and the influence of the Constitution of South Africa. The different forms of the de facto marriage in its wide interpretation are reviewed and the following relationships are discussed: cohabitation relationships; customary marriages; marriages resulting from religious traditions; and homosexual relationships. It is found that the present South African legal position is very unsatisfactory. Several suggestions for amendments are made, and the unique characteristics of the South African situation to be taken into consideration in forming a new approach, are highlighted. It is pleaded that the legal profession accept the challenge to create, with innovation, a new system for South African law which will be flexible, but, will at the same time ensure certainty in law.
Private Law
LL. M.

Text in Afrikaans, abstract in Afrikaans and English
Die regsposisie van die deelgenote tot 'n de facto huwelik word krities ondersoek met inagneming van die huidige Suid-Afrikaanse regsposisie, oorsigtelike regsvergelyking, die morele argument, en die invloed van die Grondwet van Suid-Afrika. Die verskillende vorme van de facto huwelike in sy bree interpretasie word in oenskou geneem en die volgende verbindings word bespreek: saamwoonverhoudings; inheemsregtelike huwelike; huwelike voortspruitend uit godsdienstige tradisies; en homoseksuele huwelike. Dit word gevind dat die Suid-Afrikaanse regsposisie tans baie onbevredigend is. Sekere voorstelle vir wysigings word aan die hand gedoen, en daar word gewys op die unieke kenmerke van die Suid-Afrikaanse situasie wat in ag geneem moet word in die vorming van 'n nuwe benadering. Dit word bepleit dat die regslui die uitdaging moet aangryp en met innoverende denke 'n nuwe bestel vir die Suid-Afrikaanse reg moet skep wat buigbaar en soepel is, maar terselfdertyd regsekerheid bevorder.
The legal status of the parties to a de facto marriage is investigated, taking into consideration the present South African position, legal comparison, the moral argument, and the influence of the Constitution of South Africa. The different forms of the de facto marriage in its wide interpretation are reviewed and the following relationships are discussed: cohabitation relationships; customary marriages; marriages resulting from religious traditions; and homosexual relationships. It is found that the present South African legal position is very unsatisfactory. Several suggestions for amendments are made, and the unique characteristics of the South African situation to be taken into consideration in forming a new approach, are highlighted. It is pleaded that the legal profession accept the challenge to create, with innovation, a new system for South African law which will be flexible, but, will at the same time ensure certainty in law.
Private Law
LL. M.

Text in Afrikaans.
Die definisie van 'n huwelik tref 'n onderskeid tussen heteroseksuele en homoseksuele lewensmetgeselle ten opsigte van die bevoegdheid om te trou. Hierdie onderskeid op grond van seksuele georiënteerdheid mag moontlik ongrondwetlik wees. Voorts is daar 'n menigte regte en verpligtinge wat outomaties uit huweliksluiting spruit, maar nie outomaties op lewensverhoudings van toepassing is nie. Hierdie onderskeid op grond van huwelikstaat mag eweneens moontlik teen die bepalings van die Grondwet van die Republiek van Suid-Afrika, 1996 indruis. Hierdie studie is gevolglik daarop toegespits om ondersoek in te stel na die grondwetlikheid van hierdie twee onderskeide. Die ondersoek word geloods met verwysing na relevante wetgewing en regspraak. 'n Bondige oorsig van fundamentele regte word as agtergrond verskaf. Na afhandeling van die ondersoek word daar aandag geskenk aan die huidige en voorgestelde toekomstige erkenning en regulering van lewensverhoudings in die Suid-Afrikaanse reg, waarna die bevindings saamgevat en krities beoordeel word. SUMMARY The definition of marriage differentiates between heterosexual and homosexual life partners with regard to the capacity to marry. This differentiation on account of sexual orientation may possibly be unconstitutional. Furthermore there are a multitude of rights and obligations that automatically flow from marriage, which are not automatically applicable to life partnerships. This differentiation on account of marital status may also violate the provisions of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996. Accordingly this study is aimed at investigating the constitutionality of these two differentiations. The investigation is conducted with reference to relevant legislation and case law. A concise overview of fundamental rights is provided as background. In conclusion of the investigation, attention is paid to the present recognition and regulation of domestic partnerships in South African law, after which the findings are summarised and evaluated critically.
Jurisprudence
LL.M.