Court Opinion

ID: 9772419
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-29 17:16:58.485496+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T07:31:44.122286
License: Public Domain

Darrell Hickman, Justice, concurring. Alienation of affection is a civil action that should be abolished. I have yet to see the case where affection existed to be alienated. The affections are gone by the time the new suitor makes his or her move. Furthermore, this action is for vengeance not for justice. Bitterness permeates these suits and this case epitomizes the damage done to all parties in such lawsuits. The appellant’s personal life has been invaded beyond the limits of decency; her character has been demolished beyond repair. The appellee has embarrassed himself and his children. He has probably achieved his purpose which is vengeance, but at what price? The former spouse, the pawn in this tragedy, having been through a personal emotional tragedy, will probably spend the rest of her life trying to restore her psyche to a semblance of normalcy. The damage to the children is immeasureable. Only the lawyers won. The other side of this coin is that the law should provide a forum for a wrong, and those who indeed steal the affections of another, which “belongs” to a third person, should pay; it is better to resolve the conflict in a court of law than in the streets. Our legal system should not lend itself to such proceedings. The law has no obligation to pacify, condone or tolerate every real or imagined wrong people can suffer at the hands of their fellowmen. Sometimes people simply need to walk away from a problem and accept it. This is one of those cases. The courts cannot solve all of society’s ills, and we should not lend them to those who do not seek justice. By becoming a channel for such personal feelings, we demean the purpose of the courts. We historically avoid some lawsuits: political and religious disputes and disputes between parents and children. We should quit hearing cases such as this. I would reverse and dismiss. Purtle, J., joins.