Opinion ID: 1098463
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: Dr John Galloway, Ph.D.

Text: Dr. Galloway examined the children and Karen and Eugene, at the order of the court, without the benefit of any prior history. His report indicated that Katie and Adam were normal, outgoing children, and stated further that if anything had happened to either of them it wasn't readily apparent. Eugene was described as a very outgoing, thirty-seven year old who was very distraught over the accusations made by his wife. Dr. Galloway found no indicia of the characteristics of a child molester. Karen was described as talented and outspoken, but Dr. Galloway questioned the validity of her accusations. Consistent with this court's standard of review, we find that the Chancellor was not manifestly wrong in finding that there was insufficient evidence of sexual abuse of Katie and Adam. On conflicting evidence, the Chancellor made a finding of fact which has ample support in the record. It is settled law that the weight to be accorded expert opinion evidence is solely within the discretion of the judge sitting without a jury. While he may not arbitrarily fail to consider such testimony, he is not bound to accept it. In the ultimate analysis, the trier of fact is the final arbiter as between experts whose opinions may differ as to precise causes ... (citations omitted). Pittman v. Gilmore, 556 F.2d 1259 (5th Cir.1977).