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, the Maine Instruction to the Jury is clear that the determination of the amount of support is not within the jurisdiction of the jury. This instruction ensures that the jury is aware of their role and responsibilities in the case, focusing solely on determining the biological father of the child and not getting involved in the financial aspect. Maine recognizes the importance of protecting the best interests of the child involved in a paternity case, and the amount of support is typically determined by the court or relevant child support authorities. Therefore, it is crucial to guide the jury to avoid any confusion or misinformation in their decision-making process. It should be noted that while the jury is responsible for evaluating the relevant evidence, witnesses' testimonies, and credibility, they do not possess the authority to establish or modify child support payments. Their main purpose is to assess the evidence presented to determine the paternity of the child. By providing this instruction, the jury can focus their attention solely on matters of paternity, ensuring a fair and unbiased outcome. This instructional approach upholds the principles of justice while streamlining the judicial process by reserving the determination of support for the appropriate authority. Different types of Maine Instruction to Jury in a Paternity Case that the Amount of Support is not a Question for the Jury may include variations specifically tailored for different types of paternity cases. For example, in cases involving unmarried parents, the instruction may stress the importance of determining paternity first, and then directing the court to handle the support determination separately. In cases where there is an existing child support order or other relevant financial arrangements, the instruction provided may emphasize that the jury should not consider or delve into these matters. This direction ensures that the jury remains focused on their essential duty of determining paternity, leaving the financial aspect in the hands of the appropriate authorities. Overall, the Maine Instruction to Jury in a Paternity Case that the Amount of Support is not a Question for the Jury safeguards the integrity of the legal process and ensures that the best interests of the child are prioritized.
