Cover title.

This report discusses an inquiry into the Family Court proceedings relating to Christine Bristol and Alan Bristol. An independent inquiry into the conduct of the case was called for when a newspaper article with the headline "Judge Gave Girls to Killer Father" appeared several days after Alan Bristol and the couple's three children were found dead in the garage of the family property. It was believed that Alan Bristol had killed the three children and then himself. The report examines the Family Court file relating to numerous proceedings between the couple in relation to custody orders sought by both parties in respect of their three children, and non-violence orders sought by Christine Bristol, against Alan Bristol. It then discusses the applicable law and practices of the Family Court and the Court's application of these in relation to the Bristol case. It considers in detail whether there is a need for any change in the law or in the Family Court practice concerning the case. The author concluded that under the law and practices of the Family Court [at the time], the unfortunate circumstances of the case were not foreseeable and not preventable. However, the question was posed that had the law and practices been different, the deaths might have been preventable. Therefore, suggestions are made concerning the laws and practice of the Family Court.

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