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Reconciling the Best Interest of A Child in a Cross Cultural Setting

by Dr. Jasmine Renner

156 pages; quality trade paperback (softcover); catalogue #06-1977; ISBN 1-4251-0220-4; US$14.99, C$17.24, EUR12.31, £8.62

A fresh and engaging read on the cross cultural dimensions of the "best interest of the child rule." Insightful, thought provoking and rich in cultural history and legal analysis.

In a world in which the rights of adults often take precedence over the rights of children, is there hope of ever realizing the best interests of the child? This book looks at a comparative study of the "best interest of the child rule" from the context of two nations; the United States and Sierra Leone. Molded and shaped by several societal forces and cultural differences the author claims that cross-cultural differences have brought variability to the interpretation of the best interest rule. She argues that the best interest rule is a deceptively simple principle, appealing, and seemingly easy to understand yet the open-endedness of the standard can make legitimate practices in some cultures, which are regarded in others as possibly harmful to children.

The outcome of the comparison of the two processes was significantly different. One upholds the view that the socio-economic structure, religion and maternal preference translates this rule into rights accorded not exclusively to the child but to the parents and the other promotes different approaches for differently situated families requiring the judge to consider a child's expressed preference in applying the rule. Nevertheless, it is argued that both perspectives reflect the moderating influence of the empirical evidence that the best interest rule is concerned with the child's physical claims made by the affected party.

Dr. Jasmine Renner is currently an Assistant Professor of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis at East Tennessee State University. A native of Sierra Leone, Dr. Jasmine Renner practiced law as an attorney specializing in general legal practice. As a consultant, Dr. Jasmine Renner advises on cross-cultural issues relating to international/global education, educational policy and sustainable development in third world nations, legal aspects of copyright in higher education, diversity and strategic planning.

Dr. Renner has distinguished academic credentials that include a Masters of International Law and Comparative Studies from the University of Georgia (Athens, Georgia USA) and a Doctorate Degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Bowling Green State University (Bowling Green, Ohio USA). Dr. Renner is also a two-term recipient of an International Peace Scholarship award and a recipient of the "Shanklin Excellency Outstanding International Scholar Award" from Bowling Green State University. Dr. Renner is co-founder of an international NGO Develop Africa Inc.

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