Universität Wien

030220 KU European Family Law with a focus on International Protection of Children and Adults (2025W)

2.00 ECTS (1.00 SWS), SPL 3 - Rechtswissenschaften
Continuous assessment of course work
MIXED
Mo 16.02. 10:00-11:30 Seminarraum SEM31 Schottenbastei 10-16, Juridicum, 3.OG

Registration/Deregistration

Note: The time of your registration within the registration period has no effect on the allocation of places (no first come, first served).

Details

max. 40 participants
Language: German

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

  • Tuesday 17.02. 14:00 - 15:30 Seminarraum SEM41 Schottenbastei 10-16, Juridicum, 4.OG
  • Wednesday 18.02. 14:00 - 15:30 Seminarraum SEM31 Schottenbastei 10-16, Juridicum, 3.OG
  • Thursday 19.02. 10:00 - 11:30 Seminarraum SEM31 Schottenbastei 10-16, Juridicum, 3.OG
  • Friday 20.02. 10:00 - 11:30 Seminarraum SEM31 Schottenbastei 10-16, Juridicum, 3.OG
  • Monday 23.02. 14:00 - 15:30 Digital

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

This course aims to highlight the parallels and differences between child and adult protection in cross-border contexts on various levels. These include, first, the harmonized rules at the international and EU level, particularly concerning jurisdiction, applicable law, as well as recognition and enforcement (e.g. Brussels IIb Regulation, 1996 Hague Child Protection Convention, 1980 Hague Child Abduction Convention and 2000 Hague Convention on the International Protection of Adults); and second, the underlying, non-harmonized national laws, with a particular focus on Austria, Germany, and Switzerland.

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to explain the fundamental concepts of Private International Law, distinguish between the relevant legal sources in the field of international child and adult protection, identify the rule applicable to a given connecting factor, and solve cases of child and adult protection with an international dimension. In addition, students will have knowledge of the human rights standards relevant to child and adult protection and will be familiar with the development of international und EU legal sources and the corresponding mechanisms for their control and interpretation.

Core contents:
-Fundamentals of Private International Law and European Family Law (EU competences, legislative procedures, interpretation)
-Constitutional and human rights requirements relating to the protection of children and adults
-Selected issues of cross-border child and adult protection (jurisdiction, applicable law, recognition and enforcement)
-Special focus on custody, cross-border parental child abduction, and legal instruments of adult protection
-Comparative perspectives on substantive child and adult protection law, with particular reference to Austria, Germany, and Switzerland

Method: Lecture and discussion

Assessment and permitted materials

There are two equally weighted components:
-open book test on the material covered in the course (50%)
- written assignment (1 page) on an open question relating to a topic discussed in class (50%)
-voluntary class participation improves the positive final grade.

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

The two components are graded separately from 1 to 5. The overall grade is the average of the two components. This average must be positive. Voluntary class participation improves the positive final grade.

Regular attendance is required. Registered students who do not attend the preliminary meeting at the beginning of the first session without providing a valid reason will be deregistered.

Examination topics

The examination will be based on the subjects covered in the course, drawing on lectures and class discussions (case analyses and theoretical questions).

Reading list

Materials will be provided during the course.
The PowerPoint slides will be made available to students.

Additional Reading:
Casebook on International Aspects of Private Law (2025), ed. Uitz, 2nd edition
Lurger / Melcher, Private International Law (2024), 4th edition
Nademleinsky / Neumayr, International Family Law (2022), 3rd edition

Association in the course directory

Last modified: Mo 01.12.2025 09:25