F O R D H A M U N I V E R S I T Y
Fordham forum examined filicide.
How can New York State courts reduce filicide—the killing of infants and children by their parents?”
On December 8, 2023, this troubling question was addressed by a panel of experts in a forum hosted by Fordham University, and its seminar in law and psychology.
In one recent year, an estimated 2,000 infants were murdered in the USA, over half of them by one of their own parents. This forum was unusually spirited for at least a few reasons: (a) This is a passionate issue, which deeply impacts the lives of children and their parents. (b) It is a timely issue, with legislation now pending in New York and other state legislatures. (c) Psychological science can be invaluable here, to help shape evidence-based policies to guide courts to reduce filicide during child custody.
The forum was opened by Professor Harold Takooshian, who noted the aim of forensic psychology is to apply scientific methods to help improve procedural justice in U.S. courts. The forum was welcomed by Dr. Rafael Art Javier of St. John’s University, on behalf of the Forensic Psychology division of the NYS Psychological Association.
James Kelly is a community activist and court reformer who offered a graphic overview of the 5 very different forms of filicide: (a) unwanted children, (b) spouse revenge, (c) a psychotic parent, (d) altruistic murders, and (e) accidental deaths.
Stephen Boyd is the founder of. http://www.GabriellaBoydFoundation.org After losing his beloved daughter, who was killed by her mother, Boyd has worked tirelessly to craft new policies to prevent future tragedies.
Two experts served as discussants, raising issues in this forum. Cory H. Morris, a noted activist attorney in New York and Florida, outlined both the importance and challenges of anti-filicide legislation. Professor Robert L. Emmons raised legal questions on anti-filicide legislation, This forum also benefitted from the participation of several other diverse experts, who offered their own insights on this passionate issue, including “parental alienation” and possibly false allegations of child abuse: Sean Thomas Allen Sr., Linda Gottlieb, Jason Houck, Rael LaPenta, Anthony Pappas, and Chris S. O’Sullivan. Many participants suggested a follow-up to this timely forum in 2024.
A 110-minute video of this forum is online: https://youtu.be/EuL6Ek_LM5o
This forum was hosted by the Fordham Law-Psychology Seminar, in cooperation with a consortium of several groups: Psi Chi Honor Society, FIRST, Manhattan Psychological Association, SPSSI-NY, and NYSPA Division of Forensic Psychology. For any details, contact Professor Takooshian at takoosh@aol.com
