The Cadberry Divorce Case

Judge Jackson's Judgment Hall Main Page

Loud voices were heard as the doors to the Judgment Hall were opened and the people began to file in. A man and a women were arguing and insulting each other all the way up the aisle.

First Adviser Adam Konshow moved swiftly from his seat to the man, while Second Adviser Maria Hammond walked quickly to the woman's side. Skillfully Adam and Maria separated the arguing couple, quieting them. Adam directed the man to the defendant's table. Maria took the woman to the prosecutor's table. After instructing them to keep their peace, Adam and Maria returned to their seats, one on each side of and just below the judge's bench.

A signal flashed to the First Legal Adviser. He stood and declared, "All rise."

Everyone in the Judgment Hall stood to their feet. Judge Jackson entered. Her face was not impressed as she looked at the prosecutor and defendant. She had heard the commotion from her chambers. She smoothed down her white robe as she stood behind the judge's bench.

The First Legal Adviser continued, "This session of Court 17 of the nation of Dommelika under the Lordship of Jesus Christ is now in session, Judge Rachel Jackson presiding. Let the Truth be known and justice be done. So help us God.

"All Persons in this courtroom are to charged to swear before Almighty God to tell the truth, all the truth, keeping nothing hidden. How do you answer?"

All the people in the courtroom, including Judge Jackson, responded in unison, "We do so swear."

"Are there any who abstain?"

A moment of silence followed and then Judge Jackson sat down followed by the rest in the Judgment Hall.

Judge Jackson looked at the transcriber, "Have all parties been positively identified?"

"Yes, your Honour."

"Please identify the main parties."

"The First Adviser is Adam Konshow, the Second Adviser is Maria Hammond, the Prosecutor is Mrs. May Cadberry, the Defendant is Michael Cadberry, and I, Lousie Benson, am the Transcriber."

"Thank you, Mrs. Benson." Judge Jackson. She looked over to the prosecutor's desk, "Mrs. Cadberry, please take the stand and present your case."

Mrs. Cadbury sat down with dignity. "I am applying for a divorce," she announced.

"So I gathered," said Judge Jackson drily. "How long have you been married?"

"Thirteen years."

"Were you forced into this marriage?"

"No. I made a rash and stupid decision at the time."

"Any children?"

"We have one child, Sarah. She is seven years old. She is waiting outside the Judgment Hall with my mother in case your Honour wishes to interview her."

"Why do you want a divorce?"

"We are incompatible, your Honour. I am a night person, he's in bed by 9 o'clock every night. I like to visit with friends, he doesn't like people. I Iike outdoor activities, he watches sports on TV all the time. We have totally different ideas on raising children and everything else. We really have nothing in common and we fight all the time. It is not good for anybody. We both want a divorce and I want full custody of Sarah."

"I object to that," exclaimed Mr. Cadberry. "You are a lousy mother. I need full custody of Sarah!"

"Sit down, Mr. Cadberry," said Judge Jackson harshly. "You will have to opportunity to present your case in due time." She turned back to Mrs. Cadberry, "Sounds like you need a marriage counselor, not a judge."

"I don't want this marriage fixed," said Mrs. Cadberry through clenched teeth. "It is over. I never want to see that man again!"

"Has Mr. Cadberry ever stuck you?"

"No."

"Has he ever failed to provide for you?"

"He is not a good provider..."

"Allow me to rephrase," interrupted Judge Jackson, "Have you ever gone hungry or been totally without clothes or not had a home to live in since you were married to Mr. Cadberry?"

"No."

"So you want a divorce based on the fact that you two can't get along?"

"It's more that just 'can't get along.' We can't agree on anything. It is hell living in our home. It's not good for Sarah either to see us always fighting. At least, in a divorce she would have a peaceful home with me."

Mr. Cadberry started to rise, but Judge Jackson waved him back down.

"Is there anything else you would like to say at this time?"

"I have provided many examples of incompatibility in the report I submitted to the court before the trial. If you need more evidence I can provide it. I even have Sgt. Lapin of the Police Child Crimes Unit here to testify."

Judge Jackson leafed through the report which she and her advisers had read earlier. "Fine. You may step down now. Mr. Cadberry, take the stand."

After he sat down he said, "I agree with May, we need a divorce. It is the only thing we have agreed on in thirteen years. She is a terrible cook, she doesn't do house cleaning, and she is a lousy lover. I cannot stand to be with her at all. And to think that such a woman should have custody of Sarah is unthinkable. You have my report as well and I think I have made a good case for sole custody."

"Yes, I have read your report. If you have nothing further to add, you may be seated."

After Mr. Cadberry had been seated, Judge Jackson called Sgt. Lapin to the stand.

"What is your role in this, Sgt. Lapin?"

"I have been called by the patrol officers responding to domestic dispute calls three times in the last year."

"Why did they call you?"

"They wanted me in insure that Sarah was safe."

"Was Sarah ever physically harmed in any way?"

"No, your Honour. There is no evidence that either parent ever harmed Sarah. They both appear to love her. Their hostility is directed against one another, not Sarah. Each time I responded, Sarah was in her room crying. As you may imagine, it is extremely emotionally upsetting her."

"Does the Prosecution or the Defense have any questions?"

"I do," said Mrs. Cadberry. "Who do you think should get custody of Sarah?"

"I object," put in Mr. Cadberry. "The Sgt. is not qualified to give such an opinion."

"He has investigated the case, so I would like to hear what he has to say. Please answer the question, Sgt. Lapin."

"I don't actually have an answer, your Honour. Both parents, when alone with Sarah appear to be good parents. Mrs. Cadberry is more permissive than Mr. Cadberry - which is one of their many arguments - but that could be viewed either way. I would suggest some sort of joint custody, but then Sarah would be torn between conflicting expectations and would probably hear a lot of negative comments from each parent about the other."

"Any other questions?"

Mrs. Cadberry looked shocked that Sgt. Lapin had not supported her claim, but said nothing.

After Sgt. Lapin had stepped down, Judge Jackson said, "I don't think we need any other witnesses to decide this case. Allow me to summarize: Both Mr and Mrs. Cadberry desire a divorce on the grounds that they are incompatible and argue all the time. Both want full custody of their only daughter, Sarah. Any objections or additions?"

After a few moments of silence, Judge Jackson said, "Court will recess for half an hour. Advisers to my chambers."

*****

If you were one of the Advisers what would you say? What about Sarah? What does the Bible say? Click here to read the rest of the story when you have your answer.

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