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 Washington, it is important to understand that the amount of support is not a question for the jury. In these types of cases, there are specific instructions given to the jury to ensure they focus on the relevant factors involved in determining the paternity of a child, rather than the financial aspects. One type of Washington Instruction to Jury in a Paternity Case that the Amount of Support is not a Question for the Jury is the Standard Instruction. This instruction clarifies that the jury's role is solely to determine the paternity of the child, by evaluating the evidence presented and assessing the credibility of witnesses. The instruction emphasizes that any discussions or considerations related to the amount of support should be disregarded by the jury, as it falls within the jurisdiction of the court. Another type of instruction is the No Discussion of Support Instruction. This instruction reinforces the idea that the jury should not engage in any deliberations or discussions regarding the financial obligations of the alleged father. It directs jurors to focus solely on the issue of paternity and reminds them that the court will address the determination of child support, if necessary, at a later stage. Furthermore, the Amount of Support Instruction may be given to the jury in some cases to explicitly inform them that the determination and calculation of child support is a separate matter from establishing paternity. This instruction emphasizes that the jury's role is limited to deciding the biological relationship between the alleged father and the child, rather than delving into financial considerations. By providing these specific instructions to the jury, the court aims to ensure that the paternity case remains focused on the key issue at hand—establishing the biological relationship between the alleged father and the child. These instructions help maintain clarity and prevent any potential biases or distractions that may arise from discussions about child support.
