Court Opinion

ID: 3228619
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2016-07-05 16:04:41.095009+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T07:40:09.613340
License: Public Domain

Where custody of a minor child is concerned, it is error to refuse to admit evidence tending to show the moral character or reputation of persons claiming such custody. 29 Cyc. 1603; People v. Brown, 35 Hun, 324. A child of about 14 years of age should be allowed to testify as to conditions surrounding the homes of those seeking his custody and to express a preference as to which party he desires to have his custody. Brinster v. Compton, 68 Ala. 302; Neville v. Reed, 134 Ala. 318,32 So. 659, 92 Am. St. Rep. 35. Competency of a witness of tender years rests largely in the discretion of the trial court, but is subject to review. Puckett v. State, 213 Ala. 383,105 So. 211; 40 Cyc. 2200.
Walter H. Anderson, of Birmingham, for appellee.
Counsel discusses the questions raised and treated, but without citing authorities.
The judgment of the court is that the evidence on the hearing was not closed on the evening of October 12th, but was carried to the next day by the statement of the court to counsel, "Suppose you let the mother, Mrs. Capps, and Mr. Joseph and the boy come back here at 9 o'clock in the morning;" and at that time declining to hear the boy, saying, "Inasmuch as the child is not 14 years old and has been, ever since he was 3 years old, in the custody of Mr. Joseph who is not in any way related to him, I don't think the court could under the circumstances hear the testimony of the child." This was reversible error, to which exception was duly taken.
In this ruling on the evidence, it is not to be taken by the trial court as an expression of judgment by this court upon the facts, and, upon another hearing, the trial before the circuit court, in equity, which will be de novo, the best interest of the infant will be the paramount inquiry. This will be determined and adjudged upon all the evidence offered in open court.
The judgment of the circuit court, in equity, is reversed, and the cause is remanded.
Reversed and remanded.
ANDERSON, C. J., and SAYRE, SOMERVILLE, GARDNER, BOULDIN, and BROWN, JJ., concur.