By Taiwo Akinlami

As a Court Appointed Special Advocate for Children my role necessitates frequent court appearances to represent the interests of children for whom I serve as a Guardian Ad Litem (GAL). Through these experiences, I have cultivated the practice of meticulously observing every facet of the courtroom process—from the punctuality of the court’s commencement (which, in my experience, has always been commendable) to the layout of the court, the behavior of the judge, and the attitudes of the state attorney, Children Services staff, parents, their attorneys, and when necessary, the child’s own legal representative.

My observations are geared toward assessing the child-friendliness quotient of the court, a measure I consider vital. I am pleased to report that the courts I have visited consistently exhibit a commendable level of child friendliness. However, one particular instance stands out as a striking example of the empathetic and considerate nature of such environments.

On this day, parents involved in a case brought their two-year-old child to court. The court, a place of mandated silence and order, became a curious playground through the eyes of the child. Despite the parents’ efforts to keep their child restrained, the expansive courtroom seemed to invite the innocent playfulness inherent in children. As the proceedings unfolded, the child’s restless spirit could not be contained. Observing the parents’ struggle, the judge made a remarkable intervention, stating, “Allow him to play around. He will be fine.”

This judicial decree seemed to resonate with the child, who then freely explored the courtroom, even approaching the judge’s bench. Each time the parents attempted to restrict the child’s movements, the judge reassuringly reiterated the permission for the child to roam and play. This scenario was profoundly impactful for me, highlighting the judge’s understanding and accommodation of the child’s nature, truly reflecting the essence of a child-friendly court.

In the judge’s court that day, the atmosphere was not just legally sound but palpably kind and nurturing, exemplifying what child advocacy should embody, especially within the judicial system. This nurturing environment stands in stark contrast to other, more disturbing experiences I’ve encountered.

During my court attachment years ago in Ondo, Ondo State, Nigeria, I witnessed a juvenile court magistrate physically attack the father of a child in conflict with the law. The magistrate accused the father of attempting to charm or hypnotize him into making a favorable decision through metaphysical powers. As outlandish as this might seem, such behavior was routine in that particular court.

This experience, along with the harrowing incident in an underdeveloped country where a family court judge was reported to have slapped his own child to the point of bleeding, underscores the critical need for a global standard of child-friendliness and empathy within our courts. These starkly contrasting scenes not only highlight the importance of legal statutes but also the compassionate and empathetic conduct of those who enforce them, in truly safeguarding the rights and well-being of children.

In conclusion, the incident in the judge’s court is a powerful reminder that the essence of child advocacy extends beyond the legal arguments and permeates the very atmosphere and conduct within the courtroom. It emphasizes the necessity for judicial processes, especially those involving children, to be not only procedurally sound but also inherently kind and understanding of the unique needs and behaviors of children, ensuring that their rights and well-being are universally respected and preserved.

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