How Family Court Trials Are Different from the Diddy Trial
Written by: Megan Dell
In both high-profile trials like the Diddy trial and typical family court cases, certain legal processes and challenges overlap, despite the differences in the stakes and scope of the cases. Whether it’s sealing documents in Family Court to protect sensitive information or dealing with coercive control tactics in a divorce or custody dispute, there are key similarities and differences that can shape how the trial unfolds. In this post, aspects of family court trials are compared to a high-stakes federal criminal case: the Diddy trial.
A Little Context on the Diddy Trial
The Diddy trial involves serious charges, and while we won’t go into the details, Ratchet & Respectable podcast has done an excellent job of breaking down the charges and evidence presented by the government. For those interested in the specifics of the case, the podcast offers a thorough and detailed look into the accusations that have been made and the evidence that the prosecution is using to build its case.
Similarities Between the Diddy Trial and Family Court Trials
1. Sealing Files and Protecting Privacy
In both the Diddy trial and South Carolina Family Court cases, the judge decides what information stays private and what gets shared. While the Diddy trial is in a federal courtroom, and South Carolina Family Court handles sensitive matters like custody and child support, both courts follow rules for keeping things private when necessary.
Use of Cell Phones and Other Technology in the Courtroom
Generally, in Family Court courtrooms, cell phones are allowed, but taking pictures or video, or otherwise recording the court proceedings, is prohibited. In the federal trial court for the Southern District of New York, all recording devices are prohibited (which is why so few images of the trial have been available).
Public Access to Court Materials
In South Carolina, most Family Court files are accessible to members of the public at large. However, Rule 41.1(b) of the South Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure outlines the process for sealing documents in family law cases. If a party wants to seal any part of the record or court file, they must file a motion that explains why sealing is necessary, and why less drastic alternatives won’t protect the interests at stake. The motion must also address several factors, including:
- The need to ensure a fair trial
- The need for witness cooperation
- The reliance of the parties on expectations of confidentiality
- The public or professional significance of the lawsuit
- The potential harm to the parties from disclosure
- The lack of viable alternatives to sealing
- Whether sealing serves the public interest, such as protecting public health and safety
In family law matters, the judge will weigh these concerns alongside any special circumstances of the case. For example, the judge will consider whether documents contain sensitive financial information that could harm the parties involved or whether the documents relate to custody issues, which may require protection of children’s privacy. Ultimately, the party seeking to seal the documents must show the benefits of sealing outweigh the public’s right to access the court’s records. Additionally, Rule 41.1(d), SCRCP, specifies any order sealing documents must clearly outline the specific reasons for sealing.
Similarly, most federal case files are available for public access through the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (“PACER”) website. Leading up to the Diddy trial, the presiding judge considered arguments about whether materials, and which specific items, would be sealed from public access. In a letter, the attorney for Cassie Venture laid out the relevant legal precedents in federal court.
2. Testimony About Abuse
Another important similarity between the Diddy trial and Family Court is the type of testimony given by witnesses. In the Diddy trial, Cassie Ventura and other witnesses like Capricorn Clark and “Mia” detailed instances of physical abuse, emotional abuse, and coercive control tactics. The same types of facts often presented in South Carolina Family Court cases involving domestic violence or custody disputes.
In both contexts, testimony about abusive behavior—whether it’s physical, emotional, or psychological—can play a significant role in helping the judge (or jury in the Diddy trial) understand the dynamics of the relationship and how they may affect the parties involved. Family Court judges often need to evaluate these claims carefully, as allegations of abuse can heavily influence custody decisions and the overall direction of a case. The Diddy trial’s focus on abuse parallels the types of sensitive issues that are frequently at the heart of Family Court litigation.
Key Differences Between the Diddy Trial and Family Court Trials
1. Burden of Proof: A Big Difference
In the Diddy trial, the burden of proof is “beyond a reasonable doubt”—which is a very high standard. This is typical for criminal trials, where the stakes are high, and the court wants to be as sure as possible before convicting someone.
In Family Court, however, most cases are decided on a “preponderance of the evidence” standard. This means that one side just has to show that their side of the story is more likely true than not. It’s a lower standard, but one that still helps the judge make decisions about custody, support, and property.
2. Who Decides the Facts?
A huge difference between the Diddy trial and Family Court is who decides what’s true. In the Diddy trial, the jury will decide what happened. They listen to the testimony, review the evidence, and decide if the defendant is guilty.
In Family Court, a single judge makes all the decisions. The judge is the “trier of fact,” meaning they perform the duties of both the judge and the jury. Only the trier of fact can determine what is most believable and how the law should apply to the facts of the case. There is no jury trial in Family Court in South Carolina.
3. Technology and Resources
While Family Court in South Carolina is doing its best with available resources, the Southern District of New York (SDNY) has far more access to high-tech tools and a larger team to support the case. This allows the court to handle evidence, testimony, and even video feeds in ways that can speed up the process.
The Bad Rap podcast described the technology used in the Diddy trial, which is probably similar to what is available in most federal courts. However, it’s unlikely most state courts, including those in South Carolina, have access to the same abundant resources. This can impact the speed and efficiency of the trial, helping the legal teams stay ahead of the game.
4. Budget and Legal Teams
Diddy has a massive budget for his legal team. We’re talking about some of the best lawyers, consultants, and experts money can buy. Most South Carolina Family Court litigants, on the other hand, have far fewer resources. A select few might have high-end legal teams, but the majority of litigants have to work within budget constraints. This means the pace and complexity of cases can be quite different in Family Court.
5. Media Attention
The Diddy trial has drawn international attention, and it’s being covered by news outlets around the world. Cameras and reporters are everywhere.
In contrast, even the most high-profile Family Court cases in South Carolina don’t have such media frenzy. Most family law cases are private matters so the media stays away unless there’s a public figure involved.
6. The Pace of Court
The Diddy trial in the SDNY appears to move at a much faster pace. Court usually wraps up by 4 PM, allowing the legal teams to meet and prepare for the next day’s work. This faster rhythm can keep things moving and reduce waiting time.
In South Carolina Family Court, though, time is more limited. Courtrooms often run long, sometimes until 6 PM, due to crowded dockets and, perhaps, judicial inefficiency. The pace can feel slow, especially with so many cases being handled by fewer judges.
What Does This Mean for You?
If you’re facing a divorce or custody battle, you might be worried about the complexity of the legal process. Every individual court has its own rules, timelines, and procedures. But at the core, all trials require careful preparation and solid evidence best accomplished by an experienced attorney. Family Court, like any court, can be overwhelming. Understanding how it works—from the burden of proof to the pace of the trial—can help you make better decisions as you move forward.
