Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1954-03-31
Family Court
Bill Revised 10
Soothe Critics
Original Detectives
Maintained by
D. c. Senate Unit
By John v. Horner


A senate subcommittee has re-
vised and strengthened the Dis
trict Family Court bill to meet
objections raised at recent pub
lie hearings.
Despite the revisions, the SUBJ
stitute still contains the orig
inal detectives of sponsors.
The legislation would create
an entirely new and separate
three-judge tribunal, with ex-
elusive jurisdiction in the field
Of domestic relations. However,
it would not curtail the jurisdic-
ton of Juvenile Court.
RevisionS disclosed today were
made by the Senate District sub
committee headed by Senator
Barrett, Republican, of Wyo-
ming. Its three members will adj
vocate approval by the full Sen
ate District Committee.
The revised bill spells out
duties and jurisdiction of the
proposed court. It's predecessor
was written in general terms.
The sponsors prepared it that
way deliberately. hoping to
strengthen it later by additional
legislation.
1O-Year Judge Terms.
After the public hearings last
month. subcommittee members
decided to re-draft the pending
measure Immediately.
In the new form, the bill
provides that judges appointed
by the President shall have
terms of 10 years instead of Is.
This fits into the judges re-
tirement system and is regarded
by the sponsors as a more prac-
teal provision.
The Family Court is empow-
cred specifically to appoint it's
clerk and domestic relations
commissioners. In effect, the bill
sets up friend-of-court system
as an arm of the court in lieu
of the existing voluntary proce-
dure for domestic relations cases.
Litigants and their attorneys
are given the right to examine
Commissioners reports and file
exceptions when desired. These
exceptions would he heard in
open court and would be deter
mined as in cases of special
masters reports.
Among the important revisions
are those giving the Family
Court exclusive jurisdiction in
all actions involving divorce
separation, alimony. custody
revocation of divorce, support,
annulment and adoption.
Beyond this. to meet a serious
objection to the original bill. the
subcommittee would give the
new court all of the power. both
In law and equity, now held by
the U. S. District Court for the
District of Columbia.
This would obviate the neces-
sity Of shifting cases from one
court to another IN certain cir
cumstanceS.
Inc Family Court then would
nave the right to issue restrain
ing orders, injunctions. writs OF
n3oeas corpus. and others. II
could enforce and execute judg-
ments. orders and DEGREES.
Other Authorizations.
The proposed court would be
authorized to prescribe fees
charges and costs and forms OF
processes. writs and pleadings II
would be governed by the Fed
eral Rules Of Civil Procedures
Another important provision
Is one permitting the court to
require reconciliation procedure
Under this. it could require notice
OF intention to seek divorce. Thus
the court could undertake recon.
Citation before the legal name
calling" stage is reached in di-
vorce actions.
The revised bill also would pro-
vide for disbarment of attorneys
by the Family Court. punish
ment for contempt, service OF
process and the same right OF
appeal as in District Court.
The new measure would re-
quire the Family Court to be
open every weekday. except on
Saturday afternoons and legal
holidays.
AS it stands, the bill spells out
provisions which some members
of the District Bar Association
said should be included. The bar
was among the few groups op-
posing the original proposal.