Unprecedented Decision Columbus, OH (AP)
>
> A seven-year old boy was at the center of a Franklin 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 University
> of Michigan Wolverines, whom the boy firmly believes are not capable of
> beating anyone.