Professor Clare Huntington’s recent book, Failure to Flourish: How Law Undermines Family Relationships, was the subject of a weeklong online symposium on the Balkinization blog. Scholars discussed the book’s exploration of the family law system, and Huntington provided responses to the posts.
An introduction to the symposium was provided by Linda McClain from Boston University, and Elizabeth Scott of Columbia University (where Huntington obtained her law degree) initiated the dialogue. Additional commentary was provided by Solangel Maldonado of Seton Hall, Robert Emery of the University of Virginia, fellow Fordham Law professor Robin Lenhardt, and McClain.
Huntington’s book examines the connection between families and inequality, arguing that the legal regulation of families stands fundamentally at odds with the needs of families. Strong, stable, positive relationships are essential for both individuals and society to flourish, but from transportation policy to the criminal justice system, and from divorce rules to the child welfare system, the legal system makes it harder for parents to provide children with these kinds of relationships, exacerbating the growing inequality in America. The book uses the latest psychological and social research to show how the system can be repaired and become a less toxic environment for families. It has been widely praised by members of the legal community.
Balkinization is a popular law blog run by Yale constitutional law professor Jack Balkin. The blog features writing on various civil liberties issues, including First Amendment and constitutional rights.
At Fordham Law, Professor Huntington teaches courses on family law, poverty law, and immigration.