“Her father gave me permission.”

Judge Hawthorne turned toward Dustin. “Mr. Cromwell?”

Dustin adjusted his tie nervously. “I trusted my mother’s judgment.”

“Did you know she intended to shave your daughter’s head?”

“I knew she planned to cut her hair.”

“Cut it or shave it?”

He hesitated. “I told her to do what she thought was necessary.”

The judge leaned back slightly. “Would you consider it acceptable if someone restrained you and shaved your head as punishment?”

“That’s different.”

“Because you are an adult?”

“Yes.”

“And your daughter is a child,” Judge Hawthorne replied. “A child with far less ability to defend herself. A child who trusted you to protect her.”

Dustin’s face reddened deeply.

Judith interrupted sharply. “Your Honor, children need discipline. This generation acts as though every unpleasant lesson is abuse.”

Judge Hawthorne’s voice hardened instantly. “An unpleasant lesson is losing dessert. What you did required medical documentation, triggered a mandated report, and left an eight-year-old child unable to speak. Do not minimize this in my courtroom.”