If a question of paternity of a child is raised, the parties have a right to submit that question to a jury for determination. Therefore, the issue is whether or not defendant is the father of this child. The question of the amount of support for the child or the mother is not for the jury's consideration.
Alabama Instruction to Jury in a Paternity Case — Amount of Support not a Question for the Jury: In Alabama, when it comes to a paternity case, one specific instruction that is given to the jury is that the determination of the amount of support is not a question for them to decide. This means that the jury's responsibility focuses solely on determining if the alleged father is indeed the biological parent of the child, and not on deciding the financial support that should be provided. During a paternity case, the court provides various instructions to the jury to guide them in their decision-making process. Some relevant keywords associated with different types of Alabama Instructions to Jury in a Paternity Case where the amount of support is not a question for the jury are: 1. Instruction on Paternity Determination: The jury is instructed to review and evaluate all presented evidence, including DNA tests, witness testimonies, and other relevant factors, in order to determine whether the alleged father is the biological parent of the child or not. This instruction focuses exclusively on establishing the paternity of the child. 2. Instruction on Paternity Rights and Obligations: The jury might also receive an instruction highlighting the legal rights and obligations that come with establishing paternity. This instruction will inform the jury of the importance of determining biological fatherhood for legal purposes, such as visitation rights, custody decisions, and the child's right to financial support. 3. Instruction on Financial Support Determination: While the amount of child support is not a question for the jury in a paternity case, the court may provide separate instructions regarding the process and guidelines for determining the appropriate amount of support. These instructions can be addressed to the judge, who has the authority to make such determinations based on established state guidelines and the specific circumstances of the case. It's essential to note that the specific wording and instructions in paternity cases may vary depending on the judge presiding over the case, the legal requirements of the jurisdiction, and the specific circumstances of each case. Jury instructions act as guidelines to ensure a fair and accurate verdict based on the evidence presented during trial, emphasizing that the amount of support is not within the jury's purview.
