Author describes the process by which the state can coercively remove children from their parents, and he analyzes the best interests of the child test, the legal standard courts usually employ to decide whether a neglected child should be removed from parental custody. (Editor)

Written during the summer and fall immediately following the passage of Proposition 13 (the California tax limitation amendment), this paper examines circumstances leading to its overwhelming support at the polls and the immediate efforts of state and local units of government to cope with the changes. The following are discussed: the political…