WHITEBOARD PROTOCOL

November 24-25, 2014

American Business Legal

Chapter 31: Marriage
Bellwork:
Review the photograph on page 672.
Ask students if the photograph reminds them of a personal experience at the
wedding of a family member or a friend. Ask them to write one paragraph
discussing why they think people marry.
Objective:
Chapter 31 explains the rights and duties involved in a marriage
contract and highlights issues addressed in premarital agreements.
Age requirements, common law marriage, and ceremonial marriage
are discussed. The following ideas will be emphasized:

The rights and duties involved in the marriage contract

The purposes of the premarital agreement
The commonly addressed issues found in a premarital agreement
The age requirements of marriage in different states
The difference between common law marriage and a ceremonial
marriage
What kinds of marriages are prohibited by law

Classwork:
Motivation: Assign students or ask volunteers to read aloud the
opening dialogue on page 673, and discuss the ideas presented there
and answer the five questions under
What Are the Legal Issues?
1. Can a 15-year-old girl marry without her parents consent?
2. Is a marriage between first cousins legal?
3. Are first cousins related by affinity?
4. What is a common-law marriage and is it legal?
5. What is the name and legal effect of having two spouses at one
time?

Predict the Meanings: Have students preview the following Legal

Terms:
premarital agreement, consanguinity, affinity, bigamy,
polygamy, common-law marriage, solemnize, marriage license, and
proxy marriage.
Write a definition for each word or term based on what they think the
word or term means. After finishing the chapter, have students
compare their predicted definitions with the actual definitions.

Using Visuals: Review Chapter 31 Powerpoint Presentation to

introduce chapter concepts, stimulate chapter concepts,
stimulate discussion, and outline learning objectives for this
chapter.
Exit Class:
Final Exam: See Following Pages Must read Chapter 31 in its
entirety to complete this exam. This exam will be factored into

your final grade, therefore, take your time to read the material
and answer questions correctly. This is an open book exam,

take your time, use your time in class wisely to make the best
grade possible and turn in to Dr. Lowe or whomever is in my
absence to submit directly to me for grading.

CHAPTER 31: MARRIAGE

FINAL EXAM (IN CLASS OPEN BOOK ONLY)

December 1 December 11, 2014

NOTE: Please do not remove my books from the classroom and place
them back on the self when you finish before leaving class.

Please define the following legal terms:

Premarital agreement (p.677)

Consanguinity (p.679)
Affinity (p.679)
Bigamy (p.680)

Polygamy (p.680)
Common-law marriage (p.681)
Solemnize (p.683)
Marriage license (p.685)
Proxy marriage (p.687)

Complete Section 31.1 Assessment Questions:

1. When does the marriage contract actually come into existence?

Explain your answer.
2. List five rights that are given by law to people when they marry.
3. What is a pre-marital agreement, and why is it important?
4. Produce three examples of marriages that are prohibited by law.

Legal Skills in Action: The Role of Marriage in Your Life:

In 2-3 paragraphs, describe the role, if any, that marriage might play
in your future life.

Critical Thinking Activities:

Ian and Rochell decided to break their engagement of six months
because they believed that they just werent right for each other. By law in
their state, Ian is entitled to the return of the engagement ring. Do you think
this is fair? Why or why not? (Please give a logical explanation
according to the book, I want more than a Yes or No answer)

Complete Section 31.2 Assessment Questions:

1. Under todays law, at what age may a person in most states marry
without parental consent?

2. What is the difference between a common-law marriage and a

ceremonial marriage?

Critical Thinking Activities: Surnames:

Are there any reasons why a husband and wife having different
surnames would be impractical? Explain your answer.

Legal Skills in Action: Marriage Laws:

Using a software program, (Use Microsoft Word and select Tables)
design a table of the marriage laws you need to consider before getting
married. Do your best to include all the laws discussed in this chapter.
(Please use the Computer Lab to type your table and print and turn in
with exam)

Thank you,
Ms. B. Anderson
Instructor