Are Reports Requested by Courts Adequately Investigated and Accurately Reported to the Bench?: A Critical Analysis of the Discourse of Disbelief

Date

2013

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

School of Communication and International Studies; University of South Australia

Abstract

The care and protection of children in all aspects of their lives takes on a different turn when subjected to a custody battle in the Family Court. Often they are described as "tug of love" children in the press. But as this analysis shows it is a "battle to be heard" by those in position to make decisions about the welfare of children. Due to the sensitive nature of the case which included allegations of abuse by one parent against another sometimes the Court asks experts in a field to provide a report in order to make decisions for the benefit and well being of the children. This analysis suggests that mindsets in the interview process become evident when discourse analysis is applied and may also indicate that judges may not be getting appropriate and comprehensive information or indeed, "the full story".

Description

Keywords

court reports, investigation, child abuse, reports, discourse analysis, disbelief, child welfare, testimony

Citation

Schulz, D., & Pamela, D. (2013). Are Reports Requested by Courts Adequately Investigated and Accurately Reported to the Bench?: A Critical Analysis of the Discourse of Disbelief. Are Reports Requested by Courts Adequately Investigated and Accurately Reported to the Bench.

DOI