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.
South Dakota has specific instructions to inform the jury in a paternity case that the determination of child support is not within their purview. This instruction is vital to ensure that the jury focuses solely on determining the biological relationship between the alleged father and the child. By separating the issue of child support from the trial, the jury can remain impartial and objective in their decision-making. Keywords: South Dakota, instruction to jury, paternity case, amount of support, not a question for the jury. While there may not be different types of instructions specifically outlining that the amount of support is not a question for the jury in a paternity case, the South Dakota judiciary system emphasizes the importance of clarifying this matter to jurors. The instruction ensures that jurors understand their role solely as fact-finders in establishing paternity, rather than becoming involved in determining child support calculations.South Dakota has specific instructions to inform the jury in a paternity case that the determination of child support is not within their purview. This instruction is vital to ensure that the jury focuses solely on determining the biological relationship between the alleged father and the child. By separating the issue of child support from the trial, the jury can remain impartial and objective in their decision-making. Keywords: South Dakota, instruction to jury, paternity case, amount of support, not a question for the jury. While there may not be different types of instructions specifically outlining that the amount of support is not a question for the jury in a paternity case, the South Dakota judiciary system emphasizes the importance of clarifying this matter to jurors. The instruction ensures that jurors understand their role solely as fact-finders in establishing paternity, rather than becoming involved in determining child support calculations.
