Need an expert on religion in custody cases

[Ed Brayton]

I'm writing an article on religion in custody cases. The jumping off point
will be a Michigan court of appeals ruling that came down last week, which
can be found here:

 

http://courtofappeals.mijud.net/documents/OPINIONS/FINAL/COA/20071227_C27801
6_61_278016.OPN.PDF

 

It's clear from the ruling that religion was not the only factor, but it was
clearly a significant one. I'd like to discuss the issue of religion in
custody cases more broadly and I need some expert analysis on the subject.
I've already contacted Eugene off list, but he is too busy at the moment. Is
there anyone else who has done some writing on that subject who might be
willing to do a brief interview on it, either by phone or email? I need this
in the next 24 hours if possible. Please contact me off list. 

 

Or perhaps I should just post some questions about it here and see what kind
of discussion ensues. Here are some starting questions I have in mind:

 

1. How common is this sort of thing in custody cases? 

 

2. What are the chances of winning an appeal? It seems to me that appeals
courts generally give extraordinary discretion to the lower court judge in
such cases. 

 

3. Do such rulings create 1st amendment problems? 

 

4. Are atheists or the non-religious generally discriminated against in such
cases?

 

5. How have the appeals courts or the Supreme Court handled such cases in
the past?

 

6. If you think the current system is unfair, how could it be improved?

 

Please don't respond unless you are okay with being quoted in my article.
Thanks.

 

Ed Brayton

 

 

 

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