He invented the PAS syndrome to help defend abusers in court, an earned up to $500 an hour for his services. Dr. Gardner’s work quickly spread throughout the court and legal system, his views have shaped opinions on the law, society, family relationships and abuse. Gardner’s work is widely criticized for his lack of scientific validity, and because he endorses the worst kind of child abuse. To this day, abuse advocates, legal professions and families are struggling with Dr. Gardner’s shameful legacy of PAS–which has contributed to judges awarding custody of vulnerable children to dangerous abusers.