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.
In a paternity case, it is important to understand that the amount of support is not a question for the jury in Florida. This means that the jury's task is solely to determine whether the alleged father is indeed the biological parent of the child, and they are not responsible for deciding the specific amount of child support that should be awarded. The Florida Instruction to Jury in a Paternity Case explicitly states that the determination of child support, including the calculation and awarding of the actual amount, is within the jurisdiction of the court and not within the purview of the jury. This is vital information for both the jury members and parties involved in the case, as it clarifies their roles and responsibilities regarding support related matters. While there may not be different types of Florida Instructions to Jury in a Paternity Case that specifically address the amount of support, it is crucial to note that additional instructions may be provided to the jury to guide them in reaching their decision. These instructions may include informing the jury about the legal standards for establishing paternity, the burden of proof, and the importance of considering all evidence presented. However, the determination of child support remains solely within the domain of the court. By understanding that the amount of support is not a question for the jury, the focus of the paternity trial can be maintained on establishing the biological relationship between the alleged father and child. This clarification ensures that the jury can make an informed decision based on the evidence presented to them, while leaving the task of determining the precise amount of support to the court. Therefore, in any Florida Instruction to Jury in a Paternity Case, it is imperative to emphasize that the amount of support is not the responsibility of the jury. This avoids confusion and ensures that the proper legal process is followed, ultimately leading to a fair and just resolution for all parties involved in the case.
