Detroit, MI. (AP) - A seven-year old boy was at the center of a
County 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 child custody law and regulation
requiring that family unity be maintained to the highest 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 then suggested that he live with his grandparents, the boy
cried and said 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 the child
welfare officials, the judge granted temporary custody to the Detroit Lions, whom the boy firmly believes are not capable of beating anyone.
County 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 child custody law and regulation
requiring that family unity be maintained to the highest 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 then suggested that he live with his grandparents, the boy
cried and said 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 the child
welfare officials, the judge granted temporary custody to the Detroit Lions, whom the boy firmly believes are not capable of beating anyone.
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