Child Abuse

Logan, UT (AP) -A seven-year old boy was at the center of a
Cache County 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 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
Utah State Aggies, whom the boy firmly believes are not
capable of beating anyone.