Robertson v. U.S. ex rel. Watson, to be argued today, challenges the way restraining orders are enforced in the District of Columbia, which allows victims to bring criminal contempt charges when a PPO is violated. The case asks whether these private prosecutions must be brought in the victim's name, or the state's. In times where prosecutors' offices are overwhelmed with cases, Law.com explains, family law experts say the private right to prosecute gives victims another tool to make PPOs effective. Family law lawyers also worry that a finding against the private prosecution law would extend beyond domestic abuse to the enforcement of child visitation and custody cases.
