Introduction
Family law deals with matters related to domestic and family relations. The case of GOBBLE v. STATE of Alabama is one case that attracted lots of attention due to the many family related issues that surrounds the death of Phoenix Parrish who was only four month old. The mystery surrounding the death of the son remains unsolved despite the ruling by the circuit court. Any court with an appellate jurisdiction finds it unnecessary to rewind the decision of the circuit court as it is evident that the defendant unwillingly contributed to the termination of an innocent life of a four-month old son.
In the case, child neglect is evident and can basically be termed as the primary cause of Phoenix’s death. Gobble had noticed that her son had several injuries but failed to conduct the emergency department or even seek medication for his son for a mere reason that she feared causing troubles to herself since at the time of the occurrence of the incident, there was a court order barring Gobble from coming into contact with her son. When Gobble realized that Phoenix was not breathing, she does not immediately call the paramedics but rather informs Jordan who in turn goes and informs Parrish who comes and telephone the emergency 911. This delayed action when the child is in a critical condition is an issue. Additionally, neglect is evident in the way Gobble could leave a four month old son to play in the crib for hours (from 1.00am-9.00am) under no one’s care. Child abuse can also be seen in the way Gobble carelessly placed Phoenix in his crib causing him injuries that turned fatal. The medical report established that Phoenix had numerous injuries and ascertained that “quite a bit of trauma and quite a bit of force” is required to rupture a human skull. Considering the fact that Phoenix had several fractured ribs, it must have been Gobble who haphazardly placed him back in the crib and also caused him an injury in the mouth by using excessive force when feeding the child. As a mother, she should have taken time to stay with her son and take good care of him instead of leaving him under no one’s care, treat him maliciously and even ignores the injuries that she notices in the son.
Child abduction is another issue that arises in the case. The Florida Department of Children and Families took Phoenix away from his mother within 24hrs of his birth. The child was too young to be taken away from his natural mother. Additionally, the department placed Phoenix under the care of Parrish who appears to be quite irresponsible. Gobble was willing to take care of his son but the court order barred her from doing that and she even sought to terminate her parental rights. Phoenix’s alienation from his mother at such a tender age might have had mental as well as psychologically effects on the child’s growth and that might have contributed to his ‘fussin’ nature.
Family law requires that good care of the child is taken in all conditions and at all times. Haphazardly, after Phoenix’s mother was sentenced to death, no other family members appeared to claim the body of Phoenix for burial. It is well-wishers who marshaled support and buried the body. The next of kin of Phoenix ignored and disowned him after his death.
