Court Opinion

ID: 8275745
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2022-10-17 02:06:31.583763+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T16:43:38.547344
License: Public Domain

POUND, J.
Relator is liable for the support for her bastard child, if she is able to support it. Code Cr. Proc. § 839. If she is able to support it, and wrongfully neglects or refuses to do so, she may be prosecuted for abandonment, or proceeded against under Code Cr. Proc. § 857, or both. But if she neglects to support it, or is unable to do so, it must be supported by the county. Code Cr. Proc. § 839.
The poor law (Laws 1896, p. 158, c. 225, § 62) makes bastards a public charge, and section 65 of said act requires county superintendents to provide for them in the same manner as for the poor of the county. Pen. Code, § 117b (Laws 1896, p. 631, c. 550), makes neglect of such duty by the superintendent of the poor a misdemeanor. Relator does not choose to support her child, and no order has been obtained that she pay toward such support; nor does it appear that she possesses any property in her own right.
The bastard had once been admitted to the county almshouse with its mother, who left, leaving her child behind. The superintendent of the poor has seen fit to return the child to its mother, on the theory, apparently, that there is the best place for it and that he is vested with discretionary powers as to the disposition of the child. The law plainly defines the duty of the superintendent. The child, once admitted to the almshouse, must be supported and relieved in such institution (Poor Law, Laws 1896, p. 144, c. 225, § 22) until it is bound out or otherwise cared for, as provided by section 56 of the poor law (Laws 1896, p. 155, c. 225). It is the duty of the superintendent, under the section of the poor law last cited, to place the child as speedily as possible with a family or in an appropriate institution for the care and support of children. This disposition of the child relieved the mother of responsibility therefor. From a sociological viewpoint such result may, in the eyes of some, be deplorable; but, if any remedy should be applied, it must be a legislative one.
Let a peremptory writ be issued, but without costs.