Date of Award
2015
Document Type
Open Access Dissertation
Department
Psychology
Sub-Department
Educational Psychology and Research
First Advisor
Kellah Edens
Abstract
This qualitative study uses Corbin and Strauss’ approach to the Grounded Theory method of analysis to determine the salient features of decision-making in termination of parental rights (TPR) hearings. Specifically this study addresses: what information is used to make decisions in a TPR case; what training or systemic improvements are needed; the role of intuition, prior experience or other stores of knowledge; how judges prioritize sources of information; and how “best interest of the child” is interpreted by family court judges. A theory of judicial decision-making relating specifically to TPR hearings is proposed.
Rights
© 2015, Jennifer G. May
Recommended Citation
May, J. G.(2015). Decision-Making Processes of Judges in Family Court: An Investigation of Salient Features Relating to Termination of Parental Rights Hearings. (Doctoral dissertation). Retrieved from https://scholarcommons.sc.edu/etd/3141