[jude24]

"Neglect" is a legal term of art, referring to the failure of a custodial parent to provide for the health, safety, and morals of a child. Since the father here was non-custodial, by definition he could not have been neglectful.

If you want to lament that he was non-custodial, I'll join you , with the caveat that we don't know for sure that he was the one who chose to remain non-custodial. Just as possible was that the girl's mother didn't allow him to take an active role in his daughter's life. It happens, especially in this "hook-up" culture.

[madprof98]

Just as possible was that the girl's mother didn't allow him to take an active role in his daughter's life. It happens, especially in this "hook-up" culture.

Sure. Which is why it's EVIL to make babies you can't nurture and protect. Some of them end up dead. The dad should feel guilty. He set the whole chain in motion when he unzipped his pants.

[newgeezer]

"Neglect" is a legal term of art

Don't be ridiculous. No one's suggesting Christie violated civil law. But, in the practical sense of the term, he was neglectful.

Everything he said in the quote is true. It seems he understands; he 'gets' it.