Recently, from our overseas corrispondent:

A fresh look at an old topic.

Child Custody Landmark Case
12/04/07
Philadelphia (AP) -
A seven-year-old boy was at the center
of a Philadelphia PA courtroom drama today 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 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 then 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 Philadelphia Eagles, whom the boy firmly believes are
not capable of beating anyone.