Introduction

At a time when international instruments and agreements, as well as provisions of European law, are having more and more impact on family law, the Cardiff Centre for International Family Law Studies is the first in Britain to focus upon family law in an international context and in particular, upon international solutions to family law problems.

Cardiff Law School has for some years possessed exceptional strength in the field of family law. Under the auspices of Professor Lowe and Professor Gillian Douglas, it convened and hosted the 8th World Conference of the International Society of Family Law in 1994, from which the book, Families Across Frontiers (eds. Lowe and Douglas) was published in 1996. In addition, Professor Lowe and Professor Murch are members of the President's International Family Law Committee.

Recognising the growing 'internationalisation' of family law and the unique capacity of Cardiff Law School to draw upon its numerous links with individuals and institutions working in the area, the School has established a Centre for International Family Law Studies.