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Stock Stories, Cultural Norms, And The Shape Of Justice For Native Americans Involved In Interparental Child Custody Disputes In State Court Proceedings, Diana Lopez-Jones

Diana Lopez-Jones

In an American courtroom, a litigant relies on the evidence and his words--strung together in story form--to convince the judge (or jury) of the merits of the case. The litigants compete, within strict parameters, to tell the stronger and more resonant story. Because stories almost always begin with a shift in “the way things generally are,” stories of change essentially form the foundation for much litigation, especially in family courts. The stories presented by litigants in family court are not only emotionally compelling, but they also incorporate themes common to daily life: family conflicts, spousal relationships, parental responsibilities, financial difficulties, …