Opinion ID: 1982028
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: IStandard of Proof

Text: At the conclusion of the hearing, the trial judge ruled that sexual abuse was not shown by a preponderance of the evidence. Rebecca asserts that the trial court employed an improper standard of proof under § 14-05-22(2), N.D.C.C., which provides:  14-05-22. Custody of childrenVisitation rights.       2. After making an award of custody, the court shall, upon request of the noncustodial parent, grant such rights of visitation as will enable the child and the noncustodial parent to maintain a parent-child relationship that will be beneficial to the child, unless the court finds, after a hearing, that visitation is likely to endanger the child's physical or emotional health. In effect, Rebecca contends that a lesser showing, probable cause rather than a preponderance of the evidence, authorizes the finding that visitation is likely to endanger the child's physical or emotional health, which justifies curtailment of visitation. We disagree. Visitation between a child and the noncustodial parent is legally recognized to be in the best interests of the child. Olson v. Olson, 361 N.W.2d 249, 252 (N.D.1985). This right of visitation was long acknowledged as a matter of public policy before its codification in § 14-05-22(2), N.D.C.C. See Gardebring v. Rizzo, 269 N.W.2d 104, 110 (N.D.1978). Probable cause is a minimal burden of proof. It is generally employed in the judicial decision-making process where the effect of the determination has temporary or short-term consequences, usually prior to trial. See, for examples, Rules 5.1 and 41(c), N.D.R.Crim.P. Denying or severely restricting the right to visitation upon a mere showing of probable cause (except, perhaps, temporarily prior to a hearing) would not comport with the traditional function of a probable cause determination. Curtailing visitation on such a slight showing would be detrimental to the interests affected because of the increased risk of error and the long-term consequences. Accordingly, we reject Rebecca's argument that probable cause is the appropriate standard of proof to adjudicate restrictions on visitation. Cf. In Re Juvenile Appeal (83-CD), 189 Conn. 276, 455 A.2d 1313, 1322-1325 (1983). We conclude that the trial court did not err in applying a standard of proof higher than probable cause.