Michael reflects on the concept of testimony and credibility in the context of a film called The Gift. The film explores the idea of extrasensory perception and the challenges of presenting such evidence in a court of law. Drawing parallels to the family court, Michael talks about the importance of thoroughly assessing and understanding the factors causing harm to a child. By gaining insight into the thoughts, behaviours, and habits of the parent or caregiver, one can predict the likelihood of future harm and present compelling evidence to support their conclusions. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The film "The Gift," explores the concept of extrasensory perception or the sixth sense.

• The credibility of testimony in a court of law relies on the ability to provide reliable, verifiable, and logically understood evidence.

• Understanding the reasons behind a parent's harmful or abusive behaviour involves gaining insight into their thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and parenting experiences.

• Predicting future behaviour and outcomes in a family court case can be achieved through thorough assessment and understanding of a parent's behaviour patterns and attitudes.

• Credible evidence is essential in presenting a convincing case, similar to building a solid structure with a strong foundation.

BEST MOMENTS

"Cate Blanchett, through her visions, was able to tell the police where to search for a woman who had been reported missing for several days." 

"Her evidence was viewed as highly unusual and controversial... her testimony was both ridiculed and rubbished during cross-examination."

"Understanding the reasons behind a parent's harmful or abusive behaviour invariably involves gaining insight into their thoughts and feelings, beliefs, values, parenting experiences, childhood environment and circumstances."

"Your ability to predict is not because you are psychic, but because you have assessed the parent diligently, observed their responses, ascertained their beliefs, experiences and view of life."

"Your evidence then is the structure upon which your arguments and conclusions are built... Without the evidence to prove your case, your arguments would not be sound and could not withstand the rigorous scrutiny of cross-examination." 

VALUABLE RESOURCES

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HOST BIO

Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills.