Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book explores the teaching of a wide range of family law topics from around the world, including Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, United Kingdom and the United States. It provides the varieties of pedagogies that can be used and also show how the challenges of teaching family law, that is a fast-moving subject, can be met in the classroom. The book also provides a toolbox of techniques and shows how a willingness to engage on a self-reflection and teaching re-examination are the cornerstones when teaching controversial topics, as well as the setting of clear expectations and the crucial need for respect. It also shows the difficulties and challenges of teaching in a multi-jurisdictional and multi-jural country, namely Canada. Students are introduced to the federal, provincial, territorial and Indigenous family law systems and should understand the interactions between them.