Please join us for the Ronald A. and Kristine S. Erickson Legal History Lecture:
"Marriage in the Courts"
Nancy F. Cott,
Jonathan Trumbull Professor of History, Harvard University
Opponents of marriage rights for couples of the same sex assert that "marriage" has always meant the same thing since time immemorial. But history shows that in the United States, marriage--a civil institution regulated by the individual states--has been altered repeatedly by courts and legislatures, in response to changes in family lives and work roles. What are the stakes in making a historical case for marriage rights for same-sex couples? "Marriage in the Courts" addresses that question based on Professor Cott's experience testifying and writing declarations, amicus briefs, and expert reports in marriage equality lawsuits in several states and constitutional cases in the federal courts, including Perry v. Schwarzenegger in California and several cases arguing the unconstitutionality of the 1996 Defense of Marriage Act.
When: Thursday, October 25, 2012, 4:00 p.m.
Where: Room 25 (Lockhart Hall), Mondale Hall
Note: To attend the reception following the lecture, please RSVP to lawevent@umn.edu
Questions? Contact Barbara Young Welke, Professor of History and Professor of Law, welke004@umn.edu
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