Court Opinion

ID: 9727718
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-26 13:48:42.204332+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:25:41.985956
License: Public Domain

DANA, J.,
dissenting.
[¶ 25] I respectfully dissent.
[¶ 26] I agree with the trial court that Hawthorne’s foul language and “despicable” notes did not amount to “abuse” pursuant to 19-A M.R.S.A. § 4002(1). I disagree that his frustrated and angry assault on an inanimate object (which some caring professionals have recommended as a constructive way to channel emotions) would have “reasonably” placed the seventeen and a half year old Kate “in fear of bodily injury” because it is undisputed that in the seven years she lived under his roof Hawthorne had never once struck her. 19-A M.R.S.A. § 4002(1)(B).
[¶ 27] When the next parent speaks harshly and pounds a table or stomps a foot, I fear this precedent may be used to separate another family for a period of up to two years.