• Investing
  • Stock
Round Table Thoughts
  • Economy
  • Editor’s Pick
Home Economy Maine judge upholds law allowing decades-old sex abuse suits
Economy

Maine judge upholds law allowing decades-old sex abuse suits

by February 15, 2023
by February 15, 2023 0 comment
Share
0
FacebookTwitterPinterestWhatsapp

A state judge on Tuesday upheld a Maine law that eliminated the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse, allowing survivors to pursue lawsuits for sex crimes that happened decades ago.

An attorney for more than a dozen plaintiffs who have brought civil lawsuits since the law went into effect praised the decision.

‘Survivors have suffered a lifetime of pain that has affected their relationships at home, at work, and in the world. Now survivors are empowered to face those who allowed such heinous abuse and hold them accountable,’ attorney Michael Bigos said in a statement.

The judge ruled in a motion in the first of the new civil lawsuits, but the decision is expected to be appealed.

A lawyer for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland contended that the 2021 law was unconstitutional because it made retroactive changes that violated both vested rights and due process rights.

But Justice Thomas McKeon sided with the plaintiff in the case, saying vested rights generally apply to property rights, not statutes of limitations, and that the law can apply to institutions as well as individuals accused of abuse.

But the judge also wrote that it was a ‘close case’ and that attorneys for the diocese had raised ‘serious’ constitutional concerns.

McKeon halted proceedings in the lawsuit until attorneys for the church have an opportunity to appeal to the Maine Supreme Judicial Court. An attorney for the Diocese of Portland didn’t immediately return a message seeking comment.

Maine removed its statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse cases in 2000, but that change wasn’t retroactive, so victims couldn’t sue for older crimes. Changes to state law in 2021 made it possible for people to seek legal action for older claims that previously expired.

The diocese unsuccessfully fought against the law. The legislative sponsor said the goal was to give survivors a voice — not big settlements.

An attorney for the diocese contended survivors already had ample time to sue and that new litigation could lead to requests for damages in the ‘tens of millions of dollars.’

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS
You Might Also Like
  • Devon Archer confirms Joe Biden ‘lied’ about knowledge of Hunter’s business dealings, Comer says
  • Republicans pop off over Hunter Biden’s rejected plea deal: ‘Justice is coming’
  • Dogecoin and Shiba Inu: Dogecoin in retreat since last night
  • Locking it up: Trump clinches 2024 Republican presidential nomination during Tuesday’s primaries
Share
0
FacebookTwitterPinterestWhatsapp

previous post
New Hampshire Gov. Sununu unveils $14.9B budget plan
next post
Oklahoma Medicaid cut will affect coverage for 300,000

You may also like

ApeCoin and Akita Inu: New Lows and Support Levels

October 24, 2024

Ramaswamy goes viral following exchange with LGBTQ activist: ‘I respect...

August 16, 2023

NYC Mayor Adams leads anti-rat crusade, ticketed for own rat...

February 10, 2023

Border Patrol union rips Kamala Harris’ handling of border crisis:...

January 17, 2023

Nebraska Democrats expecting 2024 gains after strong showing in local...

May 4, 2023

Nvidia hit a $4 trillion market valuation

November 20, 2024

Fetterman charts a different path, breaks with fellow Democrats in...

March 28, 2024

Oil and Natural Gas: Oil remains under pressure below $70.00

September 13, 2024

Trans activists flaunt bare breasts at White House Pride Month...

June 13, 2023

Blinken may be slapped with subpoena after refusing GOP request...

March 27, 2023

    Stay updated with the latest news, exclusive offers, and special promotions. Sign up now and be the first to know! As a member, you'll receive curated content, insider tips, and invitations to exclusive events. Don't miss out on being part of something special.


    By opting in you agree to receive emails from us and our affiliates. Your information is secure and your privacy is protected.

    Recent Posts

    • Nvidia results spark global chip rally

      May 30, 2025
    • Boeing to resume airplane deliveries to China next month, ramp up Max production, CEO says

      May 29, 2025
    • Nuclear Power Trio: OKLO, SMR, and CCJ in Focus

      May 29, 2025
    • Analyzing SIL, USO, and NVDA: Could These Bullish Patterns Trigger?

      May 29, 2025
    • E.l.f. Beauty to acquire Hailey Bieber skin care brand Rhode in up to $1 billion deal

      May 29, 2025

    Popular Posts

    • 1

      Trump-era China sanctions ended by Biden may be...

      June 27, 2024 2,764 views
    • 2

      Walz’s honeymoon with China gets fresh scrutiny as...

      August 9, 2024 2,470 views
    • 3

      Biden appointee played key role in recruiting Chinese...

      June 25, 2024 2,450 views
    • 4

      Shein’s global ambitions leaves some cybersecurity experts fearful...

      July 10, 2024 2,429 views
    • 5

      Harris VP pick spent years promoting research facility...

      August 29, 2024 2,307 views

    Categories

    • Economy (7,009)
    • Editor's Pick (2,104)
    • Investing (538)
    • Stock (2,578)

    Popular Posts

    • 1

      Trump-era China sanctions ended by Biden may be revived under new House GOP bill

      June 27, 2024
    • 2

      Walz’s honeymoon with China gets fresh scrutiny as Harris camp blasts ‘lying’ critics

      August 9, 2024
    • 3

      Biden appointee played key role in recruiting Chinese businesses to Delaware: ‘Longtime friends’

      June 25, 2024
    • 4

      Shein’s global ambitions leaves some cybersecurity experts fearful of Chinese spy threats

      July 10, 2024
    • 5

      Harris VP pick spent years promoting research facility that collaborated with ‘Chinese military company’

      August 29, 2024

    Latest News

    • Nvidia results spark global chip rally

      May 30, 2025
    • Boeing to resume airplane deliveries to China next month, ramp...

      May 29, 2025
    • Nuclear Power Trio: OKLO, SMR, and CCJ in Focus

      May 29, 2025

    Categories

    • Economy (7,009)
    • Editor's Pick (2,104)
    • Investing (538)
    • Stock (2,578)

    Disclaimer: RoundTableThoughts.com, its managers, its employees, and assigns (collectively “The Company”) do not make any guarantee or warranty about what is advertised above. Information provided by this website is for research purposes only and should not be considered as personalized financial advice. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendation. Any investments recommended here should be taken into consideration only after consulting with your investment advisor and after reviewing the prospectus or financial statements of the company.

    Copyright © 2024 RoundTableThoughts.com. All Rights Reserved.

    Round Table Thoughts
    • Investing
    • Stock
    Round Table Thoughts
    • Economy
    • Editor’s Pick

    Read alsox

    Oregon weighs nixing residency requirement for...

    February 9, 2023

    Oklahoma Medicaid cut will affect coverage...

    February 15, 2023

    Kevin McCarthy reflects on history during...

    July 5, 2023
    Sign In

    Keep me signed in until I sign out

    Forgot your password?

    Password Recovery

    A new password will be emailed to you.

    Have received a new password? Login here