Chicago, IL (AP) - A seven year old boy was at the center of a Chicago
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 Chicago Cubs,
whom the boy firmly believes are not capable of beating anyone.