American Judges Association
Court Review: Journal of the American Judges Association
Date of this Version
2021
Citation
Court Review - Volume 57
Abstract
IN RULING ON PARENTING TIME DISPUTES COURTS ARE SOMETIMES CALLED UPON TO MAKE FINDINGS REGARDING WHETHER A PARENT HAS ABUSED A CHILD, INCLUDING SEXUAL ABUSE.
Sometimes these abuse allegations are handled in criminal court, and if a conviction enters then the matter is considered resolved. However, if the accused parent is acquitted, or if the prosecuting authority feels the evidence is inadequate to justify a criminal prosecution, then the obligation to assess the allegation’s merits falls to the domestic relations court, where busy dockets and inexperienced practitioners can present a challenge for the judge.
COinS
Comments
Used by permission.