11-29-2005, 01:19 AM
DETROIT, MI (AP) - A seven-year-old boy was at the center of a courtroom drama in downtown Detroit 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, in keeping with the Michigan child custody law and regulations requiring that family unity be maintained to the degree possible, the judge initially awarded custody to his aunt.
When presented with this alternative, the boy surprised the court when he proclaimed that his aunt beat him more than his parents and he would live in fear if sent to her.
The Friend of the Court then suggested to the judge that the boy be sent to live with his grandparents, whereupon the boy objected that they also beat him. After considering the remainder of the immediate f! amily 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 Detroit Lions football team, whom all firmly believe are not capable of beating anyone.
When presented with this alternative, the boy surprised the court when he proclaimed that his aunt beat him more than his parents and he would live in fear if sent to her.
The Friend of the Court then suggested to the judge that the boy be sent to live with his grandparents, whereupon the boy objected that they also beat him. After considering the remainder of the immediate f! amily 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 Detroit Lions football team, whom all firmly believe are not capable of beating anyone.
