Arizona lawmakers debate jury trials in family court amid allegations of corruption

The Arizona State Legislature's House Government meeting on February 5, 2025, focused on significant concerns regarding the family court system, particularly the proposed House Bill 2152, which aims to introduce jury trials in family court cases. The meeting featured emotional testimonies from individuals who have faced challenges within the family court system, highlighting perceived injustices and a lack of accountability.

The session began with a testimony from a parent who described an eight-year ordeal in family court, where they alleged that evidence of severe abuse against their child was ignored or disallowed by the presiding judge. This individual expressed frustration over the court's failure to protect children and criticized the system for prolonging cases, which they claimed often leads to children being placed in harmful environments.

Another speaker, Shibley Gigi, passionately supported the bill, arguing that family courts operate without sufficient oversight and that judges often manipulate facts to serve their narratives. Gigi presented what they claimed was a fraudulent document related to attorney fees, emphasizing the need for accountability in family court proceedings.

Rachel Cardona Barnett, representing herself and the Arizona School Board Association, shared her experience of losing custody of her children despite having full custody previously. She urged lawmakers to pass the bill, asserting that it could save lives by bringing transparency to family court processes.

Jason Baker recounted a harrowing experience where his son was placed in a group home during the COVID-19 pandemic and suffered abuse. He criticized the lack of accountability within the system and the challenges faced by parents trying to protect their children.

Liana Garcia, representing the Arizona Judicial Council, provided a legal perspective, explaining that the right to a jury trial is not currently codified in family court cases. She acknowledged the complexities of family law and expressed a willingness to work on the bill's language to address concerns raised during the meeting.

The discussion also touched on the practical challenges of implementing jury trials in family court, particularly in rural areas where potential jurors may have personal connections to the parties involved. Some legislators expressed concerns about the feasibility and implications of introducing jury trials in such sensitive matters.

As the meeting concluded, the committee voted on House Bill 2152, with some members expressing support for the bill while others raised concerns about its potential impact on the family court system. The discussions underscored the ongoing debate about the need for reform in family courts and the balance between judicial discretion and the rights of families involved in custody disputes.