The Catholic Church’s legal loophole for abuse

Are Catholic priests employed by the Church, or by the hand of God?

This question was at the heart of a five-year legal battle between a survivor of child sexual abuse seeking compensation from the Catholic Church and Bishop Paul Bird of the Catholic Diocese of Ballarat.

The High Court’s decision last November – that the Catholic Church does not employ priests and therefore is not liable – came as a surprise to lawyers and as a devastating blow to survivors seeking justice.

Australia now stands alone among common law jurisdictions in taking this stance.

Today, lawyer and advocate representing victims of institutional abuse, Judy Courtin, on the far-reaching consequences of this ruling – and how the courts continue to fail victim-survivors.

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Guest: Lawyer and advocate representing victims of institutional abuse, Judy Courtin.

Photo: AAP Image/Lukas Coch

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