Throughout my 30 years photographic at the Morris County Courthouse in New Jersey, I've captured countless somber and haunting moments—dozens of murder trials and even the rare instance of photographing both a father and son convicted of the same crime, nearly two decades apart. (https://bit.ly/3U6nYuj) One of the most poignant and unusual images I ever took wasn’t related to a crime at all.
Rachel Canning’s case became a well-known story in the U.S., centering on a dramatic legal battle between a teenager and her parents. As I prepared to photograph Rachel being sworn in, I faced a choice between a long lens for a close-up or a 16-35mm lens for a broader context. Opting for the latter, I captured a frame that, though not a crime scene, conveyed profound emotion and familial strife.
In 2014, Rachel Canning, an 18-year-old high school senior, sued her parents, Sean and Elizabeth Canning, for financial support to cover her college education and other expenses. Having moved out of their home in October 2013, Rachel claimed her parents had ceased their support, citing issues of rebellion and poor behavior as reasons for their decision to cut her off. The Cannings argued that Rachel had left of her own accord and that they were no longer obligated to support her.
The case drew significant media attention and sparked debates about parental responsibilities and legal obligations. In March 2014, a judge ruled that Rachel was not entitled to financial support, given that she was considered emancipated after leaving home.
Rachel’s story became a symbol of the complex interplay between family dynamics, legal obligations, and teenage rights, illustrating the profound and often challenging nature of familial and financial responsibilities.
Following the legal battle, Rachel Canning continued with her education. She graduated from college and has kept a relatively low profile since the case.