CHAPTER 2

Effect of Parental Authority Upon the Persons of the Children

ARTICLE 316. The father and the mother have, with respect to their unemancipated children:

(1) The duty to support them, to have them in their company, educate and instruct them in keeping with their means, and to represent them in all actions which may redound to their benefit;

(2) The power to correct them and to punish them moderately. (155)

ARTICLE 317. The courts may appoint a guardian of the child’s property, or a guardian ad litem when the best interest of the child so requires. (n)

ARTICLE 318. Upon cause being shown by the parents, the local mayor may aid them in the exercise of their authority over the child. If the child is to be kept in a children’s home or similar institution for not more than one month, an order of the justice of the peace or municipal judge shall be necessary, after due hearing, where the child shall be heard. For this purpose, the court may appoint a guardian ad litem. (156a)

ARTICLE 319. The father and the mother shall satisfy the support for the detained child; but they shall not have any intervention in the regime of the institution where the child is detained. They may lift the detention when they deem it opportune, with the approval of the court. (158a)