Parental Alienation Syndrome is defined as a syndrome in which one parent (usually the custodial parent) alienates the child or children from the other parent. A child psychiatrist organized this syndrome under the name Richard Gardner. The fact that parental alienation syndrome is used in custody disputes makes it a very controversial issue. The syndrome tends to target one parent and favor the other, sometimes leaving the child in compromising situations. Furthermore, Gardner's "syndrome" has no scientific basis and is seen as nothing more than a theory by many other professionals. Parental alienation syndrome should not be considered in custody court battles, as it is nothing more than an inadequate theory. Parental Alienation Syndrome has begun to manifest itself in courtrooms across the nation especially in custody battles. This syndrome, created by Richard Gardner, makes it appear as if one parent is alienating the child from the other parent. The PAS often focuses on the mother, claiming that she may say or do things to the child to favor him and belittle the father. Gardner states that the mother "programs the child to hate the other parent." If a child displays negativity toward a parent during a custody battle, PAS often becomes involved, blaming the other parent for the child's negative behavior. PAS simply masks the real problems in court cases by dwelling on something excessive. Why is PAS an unfair approach to use in a courtroom? PAS can often blind court officials, and a child can be mistakenly placed in an unsafe living situation. Many courts are not informed that parental alienation syndrome is not actually a syndrome but only a theory. Judges and jury, many... middle of paper... nation syndrome should not be used in court custody battles. Especially due to the fact that there is no scientific background or proof of Gardner's theory, this should not be a responsible resource in the courts. Many children are subjected to abusive situations due to Gardner's PAS. Courts are even blinded by his theory due to lack of knowledge. Richard Gardner is a sick man living with the ideals of people from fifty years ago, yet his theory is still used in courtrooms today? Why is this? Why would anyone want to base a child's life on a simple theory coming from one man? The use of parental alienation syndrome must be stopped in American courtrooms. It's one of those things that can make or break a child's life. More research should definitely be conducted to prove that Gardner's "syndrome" is nothing more than one man's theories..