Matassarin objected to the line of questioning by attorneys, making reference to the 3rd Court of Appeals decision vacating Judge Barbara Walther's order placing the children in state custody. She wondered what was the immediate or dire emergency that led the state to take custody of the Jessop's child.

Walther shot her down, saying she has been criticized for not providing enough evidence.

"We're going to have a full blown adversarial hearing and if it takes two or three days, we'll do it," the judge said.

As they walked down the courthouse steps toward a crush of cameras and reporters, Louisa Bradshaw lifted the baby blanket to reveal the newborn son she was cradling in her arms to a few reporters. He was asleep, sucking on a pacifier.

Jessop said it was only the second time he has seen his son since the baby was born. As he spoke to reporters, a CPS worker interrupted him.

"We need to take her," the woman said, trying to remove his arm which was wrapped around his wife.

"I'll walk with her," he said.

"We have to go," the worker said, prodding them toward the street. "Come on, let's go."

The couple walked toward an SUV, where Bradshaw was loaded in the back seat and her baby was placed in a carseat next to her. Jessop reached in and hugged his wife.

"It's rough to be separated from your family over and over again," he said.

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E-mail: bwinslow@desnews.com