"On reading through the State’s papers, I was struck that they are sticking to their argument that — for most of these children — the FLDS belief system is sufficient evidence for the State to take custody. That seems like a dangerously thin argument, especially given the constitutional problem with relying on religious beliefs as the motivating basis for a government decision.""If you piece together the State’s argument, it is: 'Any reasonable person would be appalled at these beliefs and find them dangerous. The appellate court can’t second-guess that.'
I wouldn’t be terribly surprised if the Court granted emergency relief just to have a few days to process this request but then rather quickly denied review. The dilemma would be how long would be fair to consider the merits — the harm, after all, is the separation."
That is the most likely outcome, I agree. There are three outcomes we can expect that have an immediate effect on the FLDS case. The Texas Supreme Court refuses to hear the CPS appeal. Game over for CPS in terms of keeping the kids. Texas does as Don proposes, possibly stretching the time out to get to early June. MAYBE by that time CPS in a desperate scramble can get something cooked up to sustain their case. Proof of an underage mother with an older father by DNA, something like that.
The last scenario is the one that worries me. CPS is looking towards a Texas Government institution with pleading eyes and essentially saying "Don't Kill Us." The Texas Supreme Court countenances the CPS argument and it will be months. CPS keeps the kids, gets to comb in leisurely fashion through the DNA and continues to keep back channel investigation going on to find a crime. My wife checked a poll today based on the court order and still, 57% of people believe that CPS should keep the kids. Something like 13% said they "Did not know." CPS has thrown itself I think, on the Mercy of the Court and are probably pleading like mad through unofficial channels to keep their case alive. This appeal is flat out evidence of raw fear and desperation. They are trying to politicize the court. More →Sphere: Related Content