The idea that family courts are biased against men is a dangerous fallacy | Sonia Sodha

Evidence shows that the disproportionately male judiciary is more likely to rule against abused women and children

If you’ve binged on the BBC drama The Split, which follows a family of glamorous divorce lawyers, you might be forgiven for thinking that this corner of the law is all about multimillion-pound footballer pre-nups and the fallout from ministerial affairs. But the reality of family courts couldn’t be more different. By far the most fraught issue that crops up is not money, but contact with children. The family courts are equipped with some of the most intrusive powers the state has: not just the power to remove children, but the power to determine how much separated parents get to see them. Most of these judgments are never published, meaning the scrutiny into how those powers get used is utterly inadequate.

Women have to think carefully about bringing abuse allegations to court – even where they may be evidence

Related: 'It's a very harsh environment': judge's play shines light on family courts

Continue reading...

from Children | The Guardian https://ift.tt/2TDwd26