Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1954-03-07
Citizens Group
Backs Principle
0fFami|yCourt
But Opposes Setting
1t Up os Separate,
Autonomous Unit

The Federation Of Citizens AS.
Sociations last night Endorsed the
principle of a Family Court but
opposed It's establishment as a
separate and autonomous court.
The federation called for ap-
pointment of three additional
judges to the staff of the United
States District Court for the Dis
trict of Columbia to constitute
domestic relations branch.
This branch would have ade-
quate jurisdiction to deal with all
matters the Family Court. pro-
posed in pending legislation, was
intended to embrace.
Compulsory Procedures.
The branch would be "empow-
cred and encouraged to make
such rules as will permit the use
OF all available means for effect
ing reconciliations wherever pos
sible before a case is docketed."
the federation suggested. It
added:
procedures presently en-
ployed for the assistance of the
court in making temporary or
ders for maintenance, custody
and support shall be made COM
pulsory for the better function
ing of the court" and "the court
shall make such orders as it
deems just and reasonable for
the collections and distribution
of payments made in accordance
with its orders, to the end that
the defects and abuses of the
existing system may be elimi-
mated"
The resolution as originally
proposed by the Law and Legis-
lation Committee called for tho
branch to be established in Mu-
nicipal Court, but after discus
sion, the delegates voted to put
ii in the District Court
1t was brought out during the
discussion that the cost of three
additional judges in Municipal
Court would have to be borne
entirely by the District, while
the city pays only a proportionate
cost of the Federal courts ex-
penses.
On the other hand, the dele
gates noted. Federal court judges
are higher paid and have a
retinue of several staff members
each.
Joseph A. Kaufman, fedora
ton president. pointed out that
the cost and time involved IN
appeals was considerably less in
Municipal Court.
Delegate John Cannaughton,
however, declared that the Dis
trict Court is a court of general
jurisdiction. while Municipal
Court is more or less IAN exalted
magistrates court On mat
tiers such as land titles. he said.
there might be a need to go into
District Court anyway.
Bargain Days Opposed.
In other actions, the fedora
ton:
l. Called for no parole for
persons convicted of a third
felony involving violence to the
person. and for life imprison-
ment as the penalty on convic-
ton of a fourth felony of that
nature since it is felt that such
legislation would act as a deter
rent upon repeaters of crime"
2. Opposed "desecratlon' Of
Washington's Birthday and
Armistice Day by turning them
into bargain days.
3. Voted to commend the Pub
lie Utilities Commission and Cor
poration Counsel Lloyd B. Harri-
son for efforts to restrain the
Capital Transit Co. from calling
in its bond issue and paying
recently-announced dividend.
Mr.. Kaufman announced
that Chairman O'Hara of the
House District appropriations
subcommittee would address the
federation's annual dinner at the
Mayf1ower Hotel at 7 pm. next
Saturday. Several members OF
the Senate and House District
Committees are expected to be
present, he said.