Opinion ID: 1608613
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 6

Heading: interpretation of special reasons in a particular case

Text: In the absence of anything to the contrary, statutory language is to be given its plain and ordinary meaning; an appellate court will not resort to interpretation to ascertain the meaning of statutory words which are plain, direct, and unambiguous. Newman v. Thomas, 264 Neb. 801, 652 N.W.2d 565 (2002). Although special reasons in a particular case is broad, it is not vague or ambiguous. It grants juvenile courts broad power to safeguard the interests of the juvenile and to ensure that the juvenile's statutory and constitutional rights are respected. See Neb.Rev.Stat. § 43-246 (Reissue 1998) (setting out guidelines for construing the juvenile code). Thus, the determination whether special reasons exist must be based on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the totality of circumstances. We do note that in determining whether special reasons are present in a case, the juvenile courts should be particularly wary of the ethical implications that result from combining the roles of guardian ad litem and counsel for the juvenile in one person. See, Rebecca H. Heartz, Guardians Ad Litem in Child Abuse and Neglect Proceedings: Clarifying the Roles to Improve Effectiveness, 27 Fam. L.Q. 327 (1993).