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 Ohio, it is important to understand that the determination of child support is not a question for the jury. While the jury is responsible for determining the issue of paternity, any decisions regarding the amount of child support to be paid will be made by the judge based on relevant laws and guidelines. Ohio Instruction to Jury in a Paternity Case — Amount of Support is Not a Question for the Jury: 1. Jury's Role: A paternity case in Ohio involves determining the biological relationship between the child and the alleged father. The jury's role is crucial in determining the issue of paternity, weighing evidence, testimonies, DNA results, and any other relevant factors presented during the trial. 2. Determination of Paternity: The jury must carefully consider the evidence provided throughout the trial to arrive at a conclusion regarding paternity. This may involve examining DNA test results, witness testimonies, and other corroborative evidence presented by both parties. 3. Importance of Child Support: Following the establishment of paternity, it is crucial to address the matter of child support to ensure the well-being and proper care of the child involved. However, it is essential to clarify that establishing the amount of support is not within the jury's purview. 4. Judge's Role in Determining Support: Once the jury has rendered a decision on paternity, it is the judge's responsibility to consider Ohio's child support guidelines, relevant statutory laws, and any additional factors to determine the appropriate amount of child support that should be paid. 5. Factors Considered by the Judge: The judge will consider various factors when determining the child support amount, including the income of both parents, the child's needs, healthcare expenses, educational expenses, and any special circumstances that may affect the child's well-being. It is vital for jurors in Ohio paternity cases to understand that while they play a significant role in determining paternity, the duty of setting an appropriate child support amount falls upon the judge. By focusing on their duty of establishing paternity and leaving the financial implications to the judge, the jury ensures a fair and unbiased outcome for both parties involved.
