Yes, having someone go with the mom is the best solution - and the person
coming can sit in the courtroom until the mother is needed - I did this
myself - when my second was born, my husband (who is my partner) had two
hearings in one day at the same time and I needed to cover one for him. I
brought my mother-in-law with me along with the double stroller (3 yr old,
newborn). I had her go in the courtroom and stay in there until I was
needed. So I was in the hall entertaining my kids...  when it was time, she
came out, I went in, and I was back out in about five minutes.

If someone thought they would be in longer, they would let the court know
what the arrangements are, and work out something acceptable to everyone
(i.e. break every hour or so, etc). Also, contacting the attorney ahead of
time that wants you to testify is helpful - explain situation and explore
alternatives to actually testifying - i.e. phone testimony, deposition in a
lawyer's office where baby could be there, etc.

Now some of you want to know WHY Miami does not let babies in the
courtroom. Our courts are crammed full to begin with. It is so bad that no
one is even allowed in the courtroom if they are not a witness or party -
even then they are often asked to stay outside the courtroom in the hall
until the time comes for their docket. And unfortunately, there is a
cultural element to this also - the lower income population is probably
mostly targeted by this - part is the disruption in the courtroom, another
is not letting someone try to get sympathy by bringing kids there, another
is that you could not have a baby in there during a trial, or it might be
grounds for some lawyer's argument that that person got sympathy from the
jury with the 'cute' baby there - whoever lost would 'claim' that it was
because of the baby.
Elizabeth N. Baldwin                    Baldwin & Friedman, P.A.
Phone: 954-966-7110                     Office: 305-944-9100  x233
Fax: 954-966-9796                       Office fax: 305-940-8544

Breastfeeding and the Law:  http://www.lalecheleague.org/LawMain.html
Website: http://www.compromisesolutions.com


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