Final answer:
The doctrine of equitable distribution views marriage as a partnership with contributions from both spouses, aiming for fair division during divorce based on Distributive Justice principles. It reflects societal changes in marriage laws, such as the recognition of interracial and same-sex marriages.
Step-by-step explanation:
The doctrine of equitable distribution (ED) views marriage as a partnership where both spouses contribute, not necessarily in monetary terms, but through various forms of support such as homemaking, child-rearing, and emotional support. When it comes to resolving economic disputes during a divorce, ED aims to divide marital property fairly, but not necessarily equally, based on various factors including the duration of the marriage, the needs of each spouse, and other considerations. This concept is closely linked to principles of Distributive Justice, which centers on the fair allocation of goods, wealth, and services within society.
Philosophers like John Rawls have influenced the understanding of justice in distribution, proposing principles such as ensuring fairness even if it leads to inequalities that benefit the least advantaged. In the context of marriage laws, it is also important to recognize that marital rights, including the right to marriage, have evolved. The legalization of interracial marriages in the 1960s and the federal recognition of same-sex marriages as a fundamental right safeguarded by the Equal Protection Clause and the Fourteenth Amendment highlight the shifts in the legal landscape about marriage.