In Australia - 7 year old boy at centre of courtroom drama
|
|
Federal Court Ruling from the Melbourne Age, Australia (AP) -
A seven year old boy was at the center
of a courtroom drama yesterday when he challenged a court ruling over
who should have custody of him.
The boy has a history of being beaten by his parents and the judge
initially awarded custody to his aunt, in keeping with the child
Custody Law and regulations requiring that family unity be maintained
to the degree possible.
The boy surprised the court when he proclaimed that his Aunt beat him
more than his parents and he adamantly refused to live with her.
When the judge suggested that he live with his Grandparents, the boy cried out that they also beat him.
After considering the remainder of the immediate family and learning
that domestic violence was apparently a way of life among them, the
judge took the unprecedented step of allowing the boy to propose who
should have custody of him.
After two recesses to check legal references and confer with child
welfare officials, the judge granted temporary custody to The English
Cricket Team, whom the boy firmly believes are "not capable of beating
anyone."
© Copyright 2003 by Expat-Village.com
[an error occurred while processing this directive]
Top of Page
