The Pluralistic Concept of Family in the Decisions of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights

The processes of "constitutionalization" and "internationalization" have deeply affected the concept of family by imposing a re-reading of family relationships in light of 'Fundamental' rights. Although there are some excep-tions, in general, as a consequence of this new constitutional paradigm is appears that, most latin America legal systems have gone: i) from a 'totalitarian' family model to a more 'democratic' one, where there is an attempt to harmonize the family interests with the personal interests of all its members; and ii) from a 'unique' family model to the recognition of a 'plurality' of family models, all equally worthy of protection.