The Maryland Supreme Court has upheld the Child Victims Act of 2023, a significant ruling that eliminates the statute of limitations for survivors of child sexual abuse to file lawsuits. This landmark decision allows survivors to seek justice against institutions that have historically shielded abusers, marking a pivotal moment in the fight for accountability and healing.
Key Takeaways
- The Maryland Supreme Court ruled 4-3 in favor of the Child Victims Act of 2023.
- The law removes all time limits for filing lawsuits related to child sexual abuse.
- The ruling is seen as a victory for survivors, allowing them to pursue justice regardless of when the abuse occurred.
- The decision addresses concerns about a previous law that some argued provided immunity to institutions.
Overview of the Ruling
On February 3, 2025, the Maryland Supreme Court delivered a historic ruling affirming the constitutionality of the Child Victims Act of 2023. Chief Justice Matthew J. Fader authored the majority opinion, which concluded that the law does not conflict with a 2017 statute that extended the deadline for survivors to file lawsuits.
The Child Victims Act, effective since October 1, 2023, allows survivors to sue institutions such as churches and juvenile detention centers without the constraints of a time limit. This ruling is particularly significant as it comes in the wake of numerous lawsuits against the Archdiocese of Baltimore, which had filed for bankruptcy in anticipation of a surge in claims.
Implications for Survivors
The ruling has been met with widespread approval from advocates and attorneys representing survivors. Rob Jenner, a prominent attorney in this field, stated that the decision ensures that survivors can access justice without being hindered by age or elapsed time since the abuse occurred. He emphasized the importance of this ruling in providing hope to those who have suffered in silence.
David Lorenz, a leader in the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests (SNAP), expressed his relief, stating that the court’s decision recognizes survivors as human beings deserving of justice, rather than as mere legal cases.
Opposition and Dissent
Despite the ruling’s support, there were dissenting opinions among the justices. Opponents of the Child Victims Act argued that the 2017 law established a “statute of repose,” which they claimed granted institutions immunity from lawsuits after a certain period. However, the majority opinion dismissed this argument, clarifying that the expiration of the statute of limitations does not equate to a vested right to immunity.
Future of Child Sexual Abuse Lawsuits
With the Maryland Supreme Court’s ruling, survivors now have the opportunity to file lawsuits against various institutions that have previously evaded accountability. While lawsuits against the Archdiocese of Baltimore remain on hold due to its bankruptcy proceedings, the decision opens the door for new cases against schools, juvenile detention centers, and other entities that have ignored instances of child sexual abuse.
Legal experts anticipate a significant increase in lawsuits as survivors come forward to seek justice. The ruling not only allows for financial compensation but also provides a platform for survivors to share their stories and expose the systemic failures that allowed abuse to occur.
Conclusion
The Maryland Supreme Court’s affirmation of the Child Victims Act of 2023 represents a monumental step forward in the pursuit of justice for survivors of child sexual abuse. By removing the barriers of time and institutional immunity, the court has empowered survivors to reclaim their voices and seek accountability from those who have wronged them. This ruling is a testament to the resilience of survivors and the ongoing fight for justice in Maryland and beyond.
Sources
- Maryland Supreme Court finds Child Victims Act of 2023 constitutional, The Baltimore Banner.
