Judge William Adams beats daughter for using the Internet

OK....Let's stop speculating for a minute, and actually take a look at the Texas Laws covering child abuse.

According to Chapter 261 of the Family Code (recodified in 1995), child abuse is an act or omission that endangers or impairs a child’s physical, mental or emotional health and development. Child abuse may take the form of physical or emotional injury, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, physical neglect, medical neglect, or inadequate supervision.

The law specifically excludes “reasonable” discipline by the child’s parent, guardian, or conservator; corporal punishment is not in itself abusive under the law. An act or omission is abusive only if “observable and material impairment” occurs as a result, or if it causes “substantial harm,” or exposes the child to risk of substantial harm.

A. Recognizing Physical Abuse

Physical abuse typically occurs when a frustrated parent or caregiver strikes, shakes, or throws a child because of anger. Other forms of deliberate assault that may be physically abusive include burning, scalding,biting, kicking, cutting, poking, twisting a child’s limbs, deliberately withholding food, binding, gagging, choking, or hitting the child with a closed fist or other instrument.

This is straight from the Texas Attorney General's page on child abuse.
Let's see what we have here.

1. Child abuse may take the form of physical or emotional injury. She seems traumatized to me, others have argued she was over-reacting to play to the camera.....Let's come back to this in a minute.
   
2. Physical abuse typically occurs when a frustrated parent or caregiver strikes, shakes, or throws a child because of anger.
   OK.....I don't know about everyone else here, but he sure seems angry to me.
   
3. Other forms of deliberate assault that may be physically abusive include...twisting a child’s limbs, or hitting the child with a closed fist or other instrument.
   I see both of these occurring in the video.
   

B. Emotional Injury of a Child

The law recognizes the existence of both physical and emotional injury. Physical abuse is almost invariably accompanied by emotional injury to some degree; it is difficult to imagine that a child could suffer “substantial harm” as the result of a deliberate assault by a caregiver and not also be psychologically harmed. Moreover, angry parents who physically assault their children are likely to assault them verbally, too.

Although many physically abused children suffer emotional injury, actual emotional abuse as defined law has occurred only if the child’s “growth, development, or psychological functioning” shows “observable and material impairment.” Emotional injury is more subtle than physical injury, and the fact of emotional abuse is not as readily established.

1. Forms of verbal assault Emotional injury is inflicted on children by verbal assaults that may take the form of belittling, name-calling, screaming, threatening, blaming, and sarcasm.
   Hmmm..screaming, name calling, threatening, blaming.....they ALL seem to apply here.
   
2. The mere fact that a caregiver verbally assaults a child (e.g., calls the child names, screams at the child) on a particular occasion is not sufficient to establish emotional abuse; the assaults must be frequent, excessive and, above all, clearly and substantially damaging to the child.
   It's my opinion from what I see so far, the mere fact she videoed this means it had happened before. And she was expecting it to happen again.
   
3. In some families, one child will be singled out for abuse. The parents may describe the child as being bad or a liar, or even "evil," a "witch," or a "monster." This child often has a special disadvantage such as attention deficit disorder, hyperactivity, deformity, or handicap
   We have already discussed the victim here has ataxic cerebral palsy.
   

These are just some of the things the Texas Attorney General says to look for in determining child abuse. It is not for us to decide this man's legal guilt. That is for the court system to decide. What I have seen though in my opinion is a despicable act of a coward. Yes, a COWARD. He beat his handicapped teenaged daughter with his hand, and a belt. Repeatedly. Called her names and spoke to her like she was trash.
And why?
Cause she apparently downloaded a game illegally from the internet.

Originally posted by OzTruth
I have personally notified child protective services and they said they will check it out.

[atsimg]http://files.abovetopsecret.com/images/member/80a36b350db5.jpg[/atsimg]

I don't agree with muzzleflash's opinion, but your statement is just absurd. What is the CPS going to do, read through 1,000+ posts of a thread on the Internet?

Originally posted by OzTruth
You're becoming tiresome

If he's so tiresome, why do you keep arguing with him? I'm not calling you a troll looking for entertainment, but you haven't even been on ATS for a month now. Even if you are in the right and the majority agree with you, personal attacks and threats do nothing to support your case in a thread on the Internet.

Originally posted by muzzleflash

Originally posted by OzTruth

You're just as bad as the father in the video... I have personally notified child protective services and they said they will check it out. So keep it up. I hope you get a knock on the door

Mods look at this.

LOOK.

Is this within the T+C?

Calling the cops on someone you disagree with, threatening their lives and their families?

I merely disagreed with him!

Is it in the T&C to support child abuse. Muzzleflashes quotes

I am sorry but this kid in the video is the least of my worries. It's way over-blown.

I hope she's happy with herself. She is gonna regret this for the rest of her life.

she probably screamed and cried extra loud just for the camera to make it appear even worse.

Her releasing it on the internet 7 years later, a week after a huge argument with her dad on the phone (let me guess he cut her money off?) right before his election, shows the depth of her deceptiveness.

She would have released it 7 years ago if it were to "stop" the punishment.

 This wasn't even real abuse

Sounds like you're a bit worried about what they will find, plus I didn't ring the cops, I rang the child protective services, they take this type of thing more seriously than police...

One thing is for sure....

We will be seeing a lot more beatings of children by their parents on youtube. Good!

Tiny camcorders, cameras on laptops, camera phones. It's a brave new world and it's all for everyone to see

on the www.

I wonder if Judge Williams has many friends left? I know someone that just lost a bunch!

I can hear the insults from Rockport all the way up here in the high desert.

Listen real close...."hey judge, go get me a belt...the big one"

Originally posted by webpirate

The law specifically excludes “reasonable” discipline by the child’s parent, guardian, or conservator; corporal punishment is not in itself abusive under the law. An act or omission is abusive only if “observable and material impairment” occurs as a result, or if it causes “substantial harm,” or exposes the child to risk of substantial harm.

Was there "observable" impairment? She got up and walked around just fine, no limps. She talked to her mother just fine, not even a quiver in her voice. Not 2minutes after her whooping.

Was there any "material" impairment?

Was there "substantial harm" or "risk of substantial harm"?

Sounds to me like the whole world just got involved in a case that doesn't even fit those criteria.

reply to post by muzzleflash

Judging by the circumstances, it seems unlikely but I would like evidence before investing fully into any such determinations.

oh, muzzleflash...

why is she posting this video do you think? Because she's fine now?

I know you think people are picking on you - but - I can't imagine that you don't actually understand why

this is a very sensitive subject - we're at nearly 60 pages now - and people want to make an example of you

myself included - but you know what? It's not personal

for every person involved in this thread - do you have any idea how any people are reading it?

if all of this can make even one person 'out there' question how they choose to discipline their children - it's worth the discussion. And you chose to take this on...

for what it's worth - I once took on an angry mob defending Paris Hilton

and everyone has at one time or another hated the ACLU

:-)

somebody has to defend those people - right?

goodnight - I'm outta here

Lets review...

the child is disobedient, lies, cheats, and steals, most likely through peer pressure and the influence of external forces, because its obvious the judge and his wife arent the causes. They just have to deal with it. The kid has brought this into the home. I think the computer stuff was the last straw and what you seen has built up over time. Dad said no games and that means no games. Period. And when he said 6 month sentance for something, she got even more upset.

sounds like a prime case for a good ass whooping to me. I would have gotten worse.

remember the guy is (supposedly) a judge, so he knows the rammifications of such things in the legal system. Ruined lives, no good job, inability to provide for a family, hefty fines, and prison time. Powerful motivators for a judge to ensure his kids do not turn out like the people in his court.

A parents job is to prepare their kids for adulthood and hope they taught them good enough to make their lives and the lives of their grandbabies better.

I believe this is more about attempting to correct her behavior. Not abuse.

There is obviously a long history of bad behaviour.

That said, I have a very difficult time disciplining my daughters. The boys are much easier for me. The wife disciplines the daughters and they always run to me and I cave. They are my little princesses.

We need to stay out of other peoples homes. So does the government, except in cases of REAL abuse. This is not real abuse in my opinion.

Originally posted by whaaa

We will be seeing a lot more beatings of children by their parents on youtube. Good!

Maybe slightly more than average but in real abuse cases there is almost never a camera to record it, keep that in mind.

One thing we will probably be seeing is also an increased rate of kids who are willing to defy and set-up their own parents no matter what repercussions they create for themselves.

It doesn't matter if the child is actually a very vindictive and conniving criminal, that is what we are suppose to ignore so that these bad children will have a route to "pay-back" their parents for daring to say no and punishing them accordingly.

That I believe is a travesty and will lead to further erosion in our social environment, perhaps even significantly.

reply to post by muzzleflash


I couldn't tell. That's why I stated in my post his legal guilt was not for us to decide. That's the courts job. All we see is a video without much reference at all.
I'm sure both sides have a story to tell. And possibly others who had observed this situation then or at other times.

It is my moral opinion though, that he went overboard. WAY overboard.
Corporal punishment may or may not still be an effective tool for some people. But one thing is for sure, someone should NEVER strike a child in anger. And I see the rage overflowing in this video.

I haven't read the many posts here....but I see that it is black and white and don't understand why there are so many posts. Then again yes I can it IS ATS. I am watching this on Dr. Drew and have just seen the mother step up and take the belt away from the father and tell the 16yr old to turn over and take it like a woman (WHAT?) and then she spanks her one last time. A mother's bossom is home....but I quite confident this mother bottle fed a manufactured product known as formula. This vid is appalling if anything....your mother is your last advocate..unless she is abused as wel and lacks empathyl....but I would die before any male or other demanded that I take to capital punishment in the home against my children no matter what they have done. I would take a beating not to my death unless I was able to ensure my children safety after I pass. I can understand giving a toddler a pop and one that gets their attn not one that knocks them over, leaves marks or bruises and knowingly terrifies them of "their parents discipline." This action could emotionally scar them for life. Popping a child to startle them is the result desired in the so called "spanking" practice. NOT to create fear and tyranny. How DARE any parent inflict such of an assault on their own offspring. Too much of this goes on and too many have the thought of not my kids its not my business.....remind me not to hunker down with you come the times WTSHTF...I am sure this type of parent would chop me up at the first chance possible because I may not believe in their beliefs or maybe because I won't succumb to their wrath or worst because of hunger and you may see me as your next meal. SICKO F'n JUDGE.....a pillar of the judicial system.....I am now sickened and wonder how did this man get to the position he is in. This guy has to display everyday characteristics that would scream incompetence!!!

Yes - my second rant is over. I am pondering paying for some computer hacking into his world. If only I had the power.

reply to post by muzzleflash


thats when you kick them out of the house. They big enough to make those adult decission, its time to cut the umilical and let them fly on their own.

if they want to stick to the rules, they can stay.

Originally posted by webpirate
reply to post by muzzleflash

 

I couldn't tell. That's why I stated in my post his legal guilt was not for us to decide. That's the courts job. All we see is a video without much reference at all.
I'm sure both sides have a story to tell. And possibly others who had observed this situation then or at other times.

I agree completely. Good post.

Thank you for being reasonable and well-poised within your statements. I appreciate and respect such fair and balanced approaches.

Originally posted by mcsandy

Yes - my second rant is over. I am pondering paying for some computer hacking into his world. If only I had the power.

Trust me. There are people already looking into that...for free.
Not me of course...I would never advocate breaking the law. But I have heard from someone who heard something that maybe someone knew something about someone possibly looking into what you just suggested!

Anyone over the age of thirty five has had their spanks worse than this. And you know what, it's between the kid and their parent.
It truly is nobody's business. If they want to kill their kid, then that's their problem.

If I spanked my kid, and somebody decided to get between me and my kid, the spanking would turn into a bloody beating on the person who got involved.

I absolutely side with this being his business. And, it's obvious the girl wanted to get her father back. She was successful. Successful in disobeying, setting up, and murdering her fathers reputation.

I really feel sorry for this guy. He may have gone overboard, but not to the point of becoming the dart board of the internet. It's his kid!

Originally posted by muzzleflash

Originally posted by webpirate

The law specifically excludes “reasonable” discipline by the child’s parent, guardian, or conservator; corporal punishment is not in itself abusive under the law. An act or omission is abusive only if “observable and material impairment” occurs as a result, or if it causes “substantial harm,” or exposes the child to risk of substantial harm.

Was there "observable" impairment? She got up and walked around just fine, no limps. She talked to her mother just fine, not even a quiver in her voice. Not 2minutes after her whooping.

Was there any "material" impairment?

Was there "substantial harm" or "risk of substantial harm"?

Sounds to me like the whole world just got involved in a case that doesn't even fit those criteria.

20+ strikes of excessive force exposes the child to risk of substantial harm

You're so immoral it's kinda embarrassing for you now

Originally posted by muzzleflash




That I believe is a travesty and will lead to further erosion in our social environment, perhaps even significantly.

Yeah our social environment is sure improved by child abusers and those that defend them!!

I absolutely side with this being his business. And, it's obvious the girl wanted to get her father back. She was successful. Successful in disobeying, setting up, and murdering her fathers reputation.

fingerman, he murdered his own reputation when he beat her like that and enjoyed it so much!

reply to post by muzzleflash


I honestly don't think this one video would hold up in court as proof of anything. It will take a lot more testimony from the girl, and others for a prosecutor to even think about it going to trial.

On the other hand. The court of public opinion has already weighed in, and they require much less evidence. This guys career as a judge is over.

Originally posted by whaaa

Originally posted by muzzleflash




That I believe is a travesty and will lead to further erosion in our social environment, perhaps even significantly.

Yeah our social environment is sure improved by child abusers and those that defend them!!

I absolutely side with this being his business. And, it's obvious the girl wanted to get her father back. She was successful. Successful in disobeying, setting up, and murdering her fathers reputation.

fingerman, he murdered his own reputation when he beat her like that and enjoyed it so much!

edit on 2-11-2011 by whaaa because: (no reason given)

I didn't see any actual abuse nor anyone defending child abuse.

But I did see a lot of threats and abuse of ATS members who disagree with the anti-parents-rights agenda.

Originally posted by webpirate
reply to post by muzzleflash

 

I honestly don't think this one video would hold up in court as proof of anything. It will take a lot more testimony from the girl, and others for a prosecutor to even think about it going to trial.

On the other hand. The court of public opinion has already weighed in, and they require much less evidence. This guys career as a judge is over.

Not only is his career over, his life is potentially in danger. Everyone wants to get vigilante on him, while at the same time no one goes vigilante on bankers, government, corporations etc no matter how heinous their crimes are. Strange imho.

You are right that the video is not sufficient for a court case, that is why it will require investigation and review of all of the facts, which we are not privy to because we are only seeing 7minutes total from this families life and everyone is basing their opinions on a mere 7minutes. We have no context, nothing.

Originally posted by Bind1967
reply to post by muzzleflash

 

thats when you kick them out of the house. They big enough to make those adult decission, its time to cut the umilical and let them fly on their own.

if they want to stick to the rules, they can stay.

Not in Texas.

Legally according to the Family Code, a child is a minor until they turn 18 and cannot be legally kicked out until then.

We have to look at these things closely before we assume things like this.

The only ways I know of around this are through 'emancipation through marriage or court decree'. Without that it is not a legal choice.