Reflections, Reflections

There is absolutely no entity or institution on Earth that should be exempt from having a legal responsibility in child abuse issues. I haven't read this decision or the ones contrary to this one, but this needs to change. Hopefully decision will not be overturned.

Superior Court judge makes landmark church official abuse ruling

BOSTON -- A Superior Court judge has ruled that a Jehovah's Witness church in Boston can be sued for breaking its trust and legal duty to a girl who claims she was sexually abused by one of the church's ministerial servants.

Suffolk Superior Court Judge Herman Smith Jr.'s ruling earlier this month is believed to be the first time a Massachusetts court has ruled that church officials have a "fiduciary duty" to members of their congregation. Lawyers and doctors already owe a similar legal responsibility to their clients and patients.

Smith's ruling also is expected to open another legal channel for attorneys to bring civil suits against churches for clergy abuse cases, according to Lisa Bruno, news editor for Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly.

"It gives another piece of ammunition to plaintiffs, another grounds for finding a church liable for the actions of priests and ministers," Bruno said.

related entry:
This is what happens when people say "I don't want to know what others do in their private lives."
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