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NH Court Rules in Clergy Abuse Case that 2020 Law Cannot Be Applied Retroactively
The court ruled retroactive application violates constitutional rights to a statute of limitations defense in a 2023 clergy abuse lawsuit from the 1970s.
- On Wednesday, the New Hampshire Supreme Court ruled the 2020 law abolishing deadlines for sexual-assault suits cannot be applied retroactively in Randy Ball's case.
- Ball filed his suit in 2023 alleging he was raped at a 1970s summer camp and argued the 2020 amendment removing statute of limitations applied despite the accused priest dying in 2002.
- Speaking for the diocese, the diocese attorneys said defending such lawsuits can be difficult because witnesses and evidence may no longer be available, despite providing pastoral care and counseling support to victims and survivors.
- The court upheld the dismissal, saying victims of child sex abuse are vulnerable but their role is to interpret the Constitution, and it remains unclear how many suits will be affected.
- Regionally, courts have ruled differently, with the Maine Supreme Judicial Court siding with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland while dioceses filing for bankruptcy reveal financial risks.
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11 Articles
11 Articles
NH Supreme Court rules statute of limitations applies in case of priest accused of raping child in '70s
The New Hampshire Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that a 2020 law eliminating the statute of limitations for sexual assault cases cannot be applied retroactively.
·New Hampshire, United States
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Associated Press News+8 Reposted by 8 other sources
New Hampshire court rules in clergy abuse case that 2020 law cannot be applied retroactively
The New Hampshire Supreme Court has ruled that the state's 2020 law abolishing the statute of limitations for filing sexual assault lawsuits is not retroactive.
·United States
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Total News Sources11
Leaning Left4Leaning Right0Center5Last UpdatedBias Distribution56% Center
Bias Distribution
- 56% of the sources are Center
56% Center
L 44%
C 56%
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