LAW 12

12.1b - Marriage Mini-Cases

INSTRUCTIONS: Indicate whether or not each of the following scenarios includes a valid or invalid marriage.

1. Toshi and Barry had been dating for 18 months, and now plan to be married in an evening ceremony. On the afternoon of the wedding, friends take Barry out to a bar to celebrate. Barry consumes a great deal of alcohol and arrives at the ceremony still completely intoxicated. Is this a valid marriage? Explain why or why not. [2 marks]

1. Nadene is the youngest of six children. All of her siblings agree to arranged marriages, but Nadene wants to choose her own partner. Her parents have been pressuring her to marry a man whose family has paid them a large dowry. Although she was not directly 'forced' to do it, Nadene finally gives in and reluctantly agrees to marry her arranged groom. Is this a valid marriage? Explain why or why not. [2 marks]

1. Rick and Simone began dating almost two years ago. Rick is now 19, and Simone is 17. Simone becomes pregnant, and the two decide to elope. Simone lacks parental consent, but asks a friend to sign her mother's name on the marriage-license application. Is this a valid marriage? Explain why or why not. [2 marks]

1. Sandi has been secretly dating Harold since the two were in grade 10. They are now both 20 years old and have decided to get married. Sandi's parents object because they do not approve of Harold. They insist that the marriage is invalid because they don't have parental permission. Is this a valid marriage? Explain why or why not. [2 marks]

1. Maude and Travis are married in a religious ceremony in June and in a civil ceremony in July. Travis is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in November of that year. Is this a valid marriage? Explain why or why not. [2 marks]

1. Lisa is 19 years old. Her dad divorced her mom, and subsequently remarried. Lisa's new stepmom has a 20 year-old son named Fabio. Lisa and Fabio fall in love and marry 6 months later. Is this a valid marriage? Explain why or why not. [2 marks]

1. Trish and Timmie had a perfect wedding ceremony. They are deeply in love, and excited to start their lives together. The couple have not been sexual partners. On their wedding night, Trish discovers that it is not physically possible for Timmie to consummate the marriage because of a BMX bicycle racing accident when he was 10 years old. Is this a valid marriage? Explain why or why not. [2 marks]

1. Joanne meets Jose at a nightclub. The two hit it off, and before long he proposed to her. One week after they were married, she found Jose's passport and discovered that his real name isn't Jose. She did some more digging, and realized that he had been living under a false name and identity. Is this a valid marriage? Explain why or why not. [2 marks]

1. Chrystal and Simone are first cousins. When they are in their early 20's, they profess their love for each other, and agree to be married. Is this a valid marriage? Explain why or why not. [2 marks]

1. Madison got a job at a local restaurant when she was 15 years old. She developed a romantic relationship with her 22 year-old assistant manager. She ended up leaving home at age 16 to move in with this manager. Is this a legal cohabitation arrangement? Explain why or why not. HINT: Find "Is That Legal" publication on thiswebsite. [2 marks]