Court Opinion

ID: 9572924
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-21 20:45:50.971306+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T12:34:42.660392
License: Public Domain

Clinton, J.,
concurring in the result only.
I concur in the result only in this case. I disagree with what I consider the gratuitous criticism of the action of the juvenile judge in taking under advisement the matter of the termination of parental rights. I wish to make two points. First, decisions on such matters are of great importance and a procedure which may help to preserve a family ought to be encouraged. However clearcut this case may seem to the writer of the opinion based wholly upon the cold record, it may not be so clear to one who has had direct contact with the parties and the witnesses. Second, it is not our function as an appellate court to decide issues which are not before us. The expression of opinion on the failure of the court to terminate parental rights is therefore inappropriate and mere dictum because the trial court has entered no order on that matter.