Paternity Testing Regulation: Help or Hindrance?Written by Tom LeBaron
The French legislation has passed a law which prohibits testing for paternity without involvement of court system. Article 16-11 of civil code states that in order for an individual to legally conduct a paternity test, he or she must first have a court-appointed lawyer assigned to his or her unique case. The court then has control to decide consequences of paternity test results. This article will explore how one man’s red tape is another man’s due process. Introduction The internet has opened up opportunities for many DNA laboratories to distribute free paternity test kits in hopes of a sale from returned samples. In Europe, France is only country that regulates how paternity tests are conducted. Citizens of other European nations are free to satisfy their own curiosities and nagging doubts, while French citizens jump through hoops. Regulation and red tape protect some while hindering others. Society Perspective Pro: In 1941, French government adopted a law called “Accouchement Sous X,” or Childbirth Under X. This law allows a French woman to enter a hospital anonymously by signing her name as an X. Her identity and her child’s identity are both kept anonymous. For a mother who has given birth anonymously, for whatever reason, a paternity test would surely break anonymity. Mothers seeking refuge under X law will undoubtedly seek same protection under Article 16. Alleged fathers will also benefit from this law because assessing paternity usually means child support payments. Years of due arrears may be charged to an alleged father if it is found that he is biological father. Having a lawyer involved in process for each case’s beginning will give greater credibility to test and its results. The transition from results to court decision is also smoothed and hastened by having a court-appointed lawyer. Con: It’s hard to say just how many people have forgone a paternity test because of red tape involved. The majority of single mothers are in a less-than-favorable financial condition and probably can’t afford to hire a lawyer. Placing restriction on business operations shrinks market, decreases competition, and drives up prices.
| | WORLD WAR II ENDED 60 YEARS AGOWritten by Irvin L. Rozier
WORLD WAR II ENDED 60 YEARS AGOJubilation was heard throughout land World War II had ended, strike up band The conflict was fierce and lasted for years Victory was won can't you hear cheers Sixty years has slipped by since Victory Day Many of those veterans have already passed away Since end of war world has changed so much Where are all those people who used to go to church Church doors were left open during war People entered to pray through unlocked door Prayers were heard and answered on VE day For Victory in Japan folks continued to pray
|
