Ex Parte Linnell

This case involves children who were summarily removed from their home by the Department of Pensions and Security, and the precise question presented by the petitioner in her request that we review the decision of the Court of Civil Appeals is: Could the juvenile judge consolidate the hearing required by Code 1975, § 12-15-60 (hearing required to be held within 72 hours "to determine whether continued detention or shelter care is required") with the hearing required by Code 1975, § 12-15-65 (the hearing on the merits)?

We granted the writ to review petitioner's claim of error on the ground…