This volume examines four major court cases that have shaped our experience of adoption. Each case is presented in its own chapter, introduced, explained, and supported by majority and dissenting opinions. Further essays analyze each court case's lasting impact and ramifications on society. The first case regards protecting the parental rights of unmarried fathers. The second case covers rights of fathers of illegitimate children in adoption cases. The third, putative fathers must register to protect their right to contest adoptions. The last case is about denying same-sex couples the right to adopt. Essay sources in include the Child Welfare League of America, Child Protection Report, Center on Social Welfare Policy and Law, and The Child Care Association of Illinois.
