New York City, NY (AP) - Historical Verdict in Child Custody Case:

A seven-year-old New York City boy was at the center of a Manhattan courtroom drama on Friday when he challenged a court ruling over who should have custody of him. The boy, who has a history of being beaten by his parents, was initially awarded custody to his aunt by a judge, in keeping with child custody law and regulations requiring that family unity be maintained to the 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 out "they also beat me". 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 confer with child welfare officials, the judge granted temporary custody to the New York Jets, whom the boy firmly believes are not capable of beating anyone.