Family Court under attack

Bill Gang

Tuesday, Nov. 19, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

Two dozen frustrated and irate Family Court litigants protested for more than an hour about the inequities they say they suffered in the judicial system.

They marched quietly Monday in a circle outside the main entrance to the courthouse at Bonanza and Pecos roads for the television and newspaper cameras, holding hand-lettered signs critical of the courts.

Supporters of the organization "Mothers for Justice" gathered to object on a number of different issues, including the use of child therapists, court-appointed guardians and enforcement of the laws.

"Nobody in the courtroom or out of the courtroom wants to listen," said Jennifer Tack, who is fighting for custody of her 10-year-old son.

The pickets in the "Mother's March on Family Court" recounted the injustices they said they suffered -- and continue to suffer -- in their own cases or those of their friends.

"What they're doing here is criminal," said march organizer Barbara Pinkston, who is facing charges that she murdered her husband over their divorce. "They (judges) are interpreting the laws unfairly."

The noon protest followed a morning meeting between two of the protesters, three of the six Family Court judges and representatives of various court entities that have drawn the fire of some litigants.

"This is what we should be about, listening to people's concerns about the system," said Family Court Judge Terrance Marren following the protest.

"The system is not perfect," he said, explaining the court's limitations and heavy caseload. "There are too many people and not enough resources ... the numbers are staggering."

In 1995 an estimated 32,000 cases were filed in Family Court, almost twice the total number of criminal and civil cases filed in all of Clark County, according to a March report issued by District Court.

Some protesters charged that the judges have "hidden agendas" or make decisions based on friendships or political alliances. "Court rulings are harming women and children," read one sign. "Child Support is for the children, not attorneys," another said.

Other signs stated such things as, "We are losing our lives" and "Children have no rights." Two asked, "Don't children have court rights too?" and "Do we need another amendment to give women rights?"

Gina Brush of Fallon told of leaving with her two sons in the middle of the night to escape an abusive husband, who managed to obtain custody of their children and restrict her to supervised visitation.

"Now my abuser is raising my children in Houston," said Brush, who acted as spokesperson for the protesters because her case had been resolved.

Hugging an 8-by-10-inch photo of her sons, Brush said, "I'm here for every other mother and child -- and also for fathers."

Several men joined the protest, echoing the same kinds of stories the women had.

"Kids get lost in the shuffle," said Jerry Rodrigues, complaining that his former wife had allowed their 16-year-old son to work in a pornography store.

"The system is re-victimizing families," added Al DiCicco.

SUN REPORTER Rachael Levy contributed to this story.