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.
Maryland Instruction to Jury in a Paternity Case: In Maryland, when dealing with a paternity case, there are specific instructions provided to the jury regarding the determination of child support. It is important to note that the amount of support is not a question for the jury to decide. These instructions ensure a fair and unbiased legal process and maintain consistency in child support award decisions. Here, we will explore the details of these instructions and highlight any possible variations. Maryland Instruction to Jury: Amount of Support is Not a Question for the Jury When a paternity case reaches trial in Maryland, the judge presiding over the case provides the following instruction to the jury: "The amount of child support to be awarded is not a question for you, the jury, to decide. This determination is solely within the purview of the court." This instruction clarifies to the jury that their role is to assess the issue of paternity and determine the legal relationship between the putative father and the child. Their decision will significantly impact child custody and visitation matters but not the calculation or determination of the child support amount. It is important for the jury to understand that the Maryland courts follow specific guidelines and calculations when determining child support. These guidelines take into account various factors such as the income of both parents, the number of children involved, medical expenses, and other relevant costs associated with raising the child. Different Types of Maryland Instruction to Jury in a Paternity Case Regarding Support While the basic instruction remains consistent throughout Maryland, specific variants may exist, depending on the jurisdiction and the judge overseeing the case. However, these variations are typically related to the language used to convey the same message: the jury is not responsible for determining the exact child support amount. It is crucial for the jury to thoroughly understand this instruction and the limitations of their role, as their decision on paternity will have a significant impact on the child's future well-being and the allocation of parental responsibilities but not the financial aspects of support. To summarize, in a paternity case in Maryland, the instruction to the jury regarding child support is clear and consistent: the amount of child support is not within the jury's jurisdiction. While there may be slight variations in the language used, the instructional objective remains the same — maintaining an unbiased and fair legal process and ensuring that child support determinations are made in accordance with established guidelines and calculations.
