Commonwealth v. Teixera
Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts
488 N.E.2d 775 (1986)
Teixera (defendant) fathered a child with a woman he had dated, and after learning of the pregnancy suggested abortion or adoption before the relationship ended; he provided no financial support after the child was born, and the Commonwealth prosecuted him for nonsupport of an illegitimate child, presenting no evidence at trial about his financial circumstances or ability to pay. Teixera's motion for a directed verdict was denied, he was convicted, and he appealed.
Whether, in Massachusetts, a defendant may be found guilty of failing to provide support to an illegitimate child if the prosecution proves, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the defendant neglected or willfully refused to contribute to the child's support and otherwise had the financial ability to do so.