Today, Explained Giving justice an extension
Dec 6, 2019
Carrie Baker, a gender and law expert from Smith College, sheds light on New Jersey's recent legal reforms extending statutes of limitations for childhood sexual abuse cases. She discusses the newfound avenues for survivors to seek justice, especially against institutions like the Catholic Church. Baker highlights the societal and legal hurdles survivors face, the emotional toll of navigating the justice system, and the push for institutional accountability. Her insights reveal a significant shift in societal attitudes towards historical injustices.
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Statutes of Limitations Basics
- Statutes of limitations exist in most legal cases, both civil and criminal.
- These limitations prevent victims from pursuing justice after a certain time has passed.
Spotlight Investigation's Impact
- The 2002 Boston Globe Spotlight investigation on child sex abuse within the Catholic Church brought the issue to national attention.
- This sparked a movement to reform statutes of limitations.
Opposition to Reform
- Catholic bishops, the insurance industry, defense attorneys, and teachers' unions have opposed extending statutes of limitations.
- Their opposition stems from financial, evidentiary, and civil liberties concerns.