[clonomaniac]

Iowa City, IA (AP) A seven-year old boy was at the center of a Johnson
County courtroom drama today when he challenged a court ruling over whom
should have custody of him. The boy has a history of being beaten by
his parents and the judge initially awarded custody to his aunt, in
keeping with child custody law and regulation requiring that family unity
be maintained to the highest degree possible. The boy surprised the court when he proclaimed that his aunt beat him more than his parents and he adamantly refused to live
with her.

When the judge then suggested that he live with his grandparents, the
boy cried and said they also beat him. After considering the remainder
of the immediate family and learning that domestic violence was apparently
a way of life among them, the judge took the unprecedented step of
allowing the boy to propose who should have custody of him.
After two recesses to check legal references and confirm with the child
welfare officials, the judge granted temporary custody to the Iowa
Hawkeyes whom the boy firmly believes are not capable of beating anyone.