Schaffer Law Library Blog

From the Volokh Conspiracy: New Zealand Judge Orders Name Change for Girl

The New Zealand Herald reports, A Family Court judge said a New Plymouth couple burdened their child with a “social disability and handicap” when they named her “Talula Does The Hula From Hawaii”. Judge Rob Murfitt ordered temporary court custody for the 9-year-old to ensure that a proper name was found for her. The girl said she was so embarrassed that she had not revealed her name to any of her friends. “She fears being mocked and teased, and in that she has a greater level of insight than either of her parents,” said Judge Murfitt.