Appeals

Attorney Scott Appeals a Trial Court’s Ruling Declaring Child Dependent Based on Corporal Punishment

Attorney Scott represents the Father in a case where the Department of Children and Families (DCF) took his four-year-old son away based on bruising that resulted from corporal punishment.  Corporal punishment is legal in Florida if it does not result in significant bruising or serious harm to the child.  The trial court ruled against the Father and in favor of DCF.  Attorney Scott appealed and lost, but the battle is not over.  His Motion for Rehearing before the entire Third District Court of Appeal is still pending.  You can read the facts and legal arguments in the briefs:

• Father Initial Brief

• Answer Brief of Guardian ad Litem

• Answer Brief of Department of Children and Families

• Father Reply to DCF Answer Brief

• Father Reply to GAL Answer Brief

• Opinion of Appellate Court

• Father Motion for Rehearing En Banc