The Constitutional Parent: Rights, Responsibilities, and the Enfranchisement of the Child

**The Constitutional Parent: Rights, Responsibilities, and the Enfranchisement of the Child - A Groundbreaking Examination of Parental Rights in America** Delve into a controversial and timely re-evaluation of parental rights in the United States with Jeffrey Shulman's *The Constitutional Parent: Rights, Responsibilities, and the Enfranchisement of the Child*. This meticulously researched hardcover, published by Yale University Press, challenges the widely accepted notion that the U.S. Constitution guarantees a fundamental right to parent. Shulman, a law professor renowned for his insightful analysis of family law and constitutional issues, meticulously dissects the historical record to present a compelling counter-argument. For generations, legal scholars and the public at large have operated under the assumption that parental rights are deeply entrenched in American legal tradition. Shulman's work compels us to reconsider this assumption, arguing that the historical record paints a different picture. He contends that the state's role in entrusting custody to parents has always been conditional, predicated on the parent's fulfillment of their fiduciary duty to the child's well-being and developmental needs. The book meticulously explores how the law has historically viewed the parent-child relationship not as an inherent right, but as a delegated responsibility, a sacred trust conferred by the state. Shulman's exploration extends beyond mere academic debate. *The Constitutional Parent* encourages a fundamental shift in perspective, urging readers to consider the implications of treating parenting as a delegated responsibility rather than an inalienable right. This shift, Shulman posits, has the potential to revitalize and reshape family law, fostering a more nuanced and effective framework that accommodates the evolving and sometimes competing interests of parents, children, and the state. By re-examining the foundations of parental authority, the book prompts us to reconsider how legal principles can best serve the complex dynamics of the modern family. What does it *really* mean to say parental rights are *not* constitutional? Shulman expertly guides the reader through the legal reasoning involved, and how reconsidering our assumptions could dramatically impact child welfare law. This thought-provoking book is not merely a historical analysis; it is a call to action, urging legal professionals, policymakers, and concerned citizens to engage in a critical dialogue about the future of family law. It provides a fresh lens through which to examine contemporary issues such as child custody disputes, foster care, and parental neglect, offering a framework for developing more equitable and child-centered legal solutions. Shulman encourages us to move beyond simplistic notions of parental entitlement and embrace a more holistic understanding of the state's role in safeguarding the welfare of its most vulnerable citizens: children. The book contains 360 pages and includes detailed notes and index. Its ISBN-13 is 9780300191899. It falls under the categories of Domestic Relations, Parent and Child (Law), Constitutional Law, Children, and Legal Status, Laws. With a Dewey Decimal classification of 346.7301/7. *The Constitutional Parent* is essential reading for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the legal and ethical complexities surrounding parenthood in America. Prepare to have your assumptions challenged and your perspective transformed by this groundbreaking and meticulously argued work.