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 in Michigan, it is important to understand the specific instructions given to the jury regarding the determination of child support. Michigan's law recognizes that the calculation of child support is not within the purview of the jury and is instead determined through statutory guidelines and court processes. Here is a detailed description of Michigan instruction to the jury in a paternity case, emphasizing that the amount of support is not a question for the jury: In a paternity case, a Michigan jury receives explicit instructions regarding their role in determining child support. It is emphasized to the jury that they are tasked with deciding matters of fact and rendering a verdict on the issue of paternity, but determining the amount of child support is exclusively reserved for the court. The purpose of this instruction is to maintain consistency and efficiency in applying the established child support guidelines. The instruction explicitly outlines that the jury should not consider or deliberate on matters related to child support during their deliberations. Instead, they are instructed to focus solely on matters pertaining to the establishment of paternity by evaluating evidence, witness testimonies, genetic testing results, and any other relevant factors. Jurors are further informed that child support determination is governed by Michigan's Child Support Formula, which is based on the income and financial circumstances of both parents. The formula takes into account factors such as income, medical expenses, child care expenses, and other relevant costs. The court, not the jury, utilizes this formula to calculate the appropriate amount of child support. While the specific instruction may vary in its wording, the essence remains consistent across different Michigan instructions to the jury in a paternity case. Variations in phrasing and structure may include the following: 1. Michigan Instruction to Jury — Paternity Case (Amount of Support): This instruction focuses on the explicit statement that determining the amount of child support is beyond the jury's scope and is exclusively reserved for the court. 2. Michigan Instruction to Jury — Child Support Excluded from Deliberation: This instruction emphasizes that jurors should not consider child support-related factors when reaching their verdict in a paternity case. 3. Michigan Instruction to Jury — Role Limited to Paternity Determination: This instruction highlights the jury's role in establishing paternity and explicitly states that they should not deliberate or provide input on child support matters. Ultimately, these instructions seek to ensure a fair and consistent approach to child support determination by Michigan courts, separate from the role of the jury in paternity cases.
