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.
Title: Understanding Arizona Instruction to Jury in a Paternity Case: Amount of Support is not a Question for the Jury Keywords: Arizona, Instruction to Jury, Paternity Case, Amount of Support, Question, Types Description: In Arizona paternity cases, it is essential to understand the instructions provided to the jury regarding the matter of support. The state's legal framework acknowledges that determining the amount of support is not within the jury's purview, focusing instead on establishing paternity and addressing related issues. This article explores the Arizona Instruction to Jury in a Paternity Case, clarifying why the amount of support is not a question for the jury and discussing potential types of such instructions. 1. Arizona Instruction to Jury — Paternity Case: The Arizona Instruction to Jury in a Paternity Case aims to guide the jury through the legal proceedings while ensuring their understanding of relevant matters. This instruction sets the tone and outlines the legal framework within which the case must be deliberated. 2. Role of the Jury in a Paternity Case: In Arizona, the primary role of the jury in a paternity case is to determine the issue of paternity itself. The jurors are tasked with evaluating the evidence presented and deciding whether the alleged father is, indeed, the biological parent of the child in question. Various factors, such as DNA testing and testimonies, may be considered during this evaluation. 3. Determination of Support Amount: While the jury plays a pivotal role in deciding paternity, Arizona law lacks provisions enabling the jury to determine the amount of support to be provided. Instead, it is the court's responsibility, guided by established guidelines and statutes, to assess and establish the appropriate amount of child support. This approach aims to maintain consistency and ensure adherence to statutory requirements. 4. Instruction Emphasizing Non-Jury Involvement in Support Calculation: One common type of instruction in an Arizona paternity case is the explicit direction to the jury that the calculation and determination of the child support amount are outside their jurisdiction. This instruction reminds the jurors of their role being solely dedicated to determining paternity and not the financial aspects of the case. 5. Separation of Concerns: In Arizona, the law mandating separation of concerns reinforces the idea that the allocation of child support is best addressed by the court rather than the jury. This separation allows the jury to focus on their main duty of establishing paternity without being burdened by additional responsibilities. It is important to note that the specific name or number of different types of instructions in Arizona Instruction to Jury in a Paternity Case may vary. However, the fundamental principle remains consistent: the amount of support is not a question for the jury, and other instructions provided will revolve around reinforcing this concept. In conclusion, understanding the Arizona Instruction to Jury in a Paternity Case is vital for all parties involved. Recognizing that the amount of support is not within the jury's jurisdiction ensures a fair and consistent approach to determining paternity and protecting the best interests of the child.
