An examination of how the U.S. court system has shaped the boundaries of a central building block of American society from the colonial era to the present day.

Marriage on Trial: A Handbook with Cases, Laws, and Documents explores the evolution of marriage, a seemingly static institution that, in reality, has been dramatically redefined over time. An illuminating introduction tracing the reasons for ongoing controversies leads to a historical overview of the ways in which marriage has evolved, with a particular emphasis on women, racial minorities, polygamists, and homosexuals.

A review of significant court cases that represent key arguments regarding marriage-legal identity of women, polygamy, interracial marriage, rights of unmarried couples, and same-sex marriages-illustrates how the legal system has shifted with the changing mores of society. Will Americans ever tolerate polygamy? Will gay marriages be legally recognized? Scenarios of these and other possibilities for the future suggest that more change is in store.