Academic

News of the Weird Classic: Family Law

By Kevin Maillard

Walt and Kathy Viggiano of Wichita, Kan., convinced Judge James Burgess to return their four children from foster care in 1999, following their removal the year before because of the unsanitariness of the family's mobile home. Unlike in many such cases, Judge Burgess realized that the Viggianos had not abused the kids, nor did they have alcohol or drug problems. Also, according to police who made the initial investigation, Walt and the kids seemed to speak warmly and lovingly with each other, even though their intra-family banter in the presence of the investigators appeared to be entirely in Klingon (from "Star Trek"). [Wichita Eagle, 7-11-99, 12-2-98]

Full post as published by The Faculty Lounge on January 29, 2009 (boomark / email).