Maryland Supreme Court Reviews Child Victims Act

The Maryland Supreme Court is currently deliberating the constitutionality of the 2023 Child Victims Act, which eliminates the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse lawsuits. This law emerged following a comprehensive report detailing extensive abuse by clergy within the Archdiocese of Baltimore over 80 years, prompting Governor Wes Moore to sign it into law. The Archdiocese of Washington and other institutions have filed appeals against the act, arguing that a previous 'statute of repose' protects them from lawsuits despite the law's repeal. As lawsuits against the Archdiocese of Baltimore are currently held in bankruptcy court, the outcome of the Supreme Court's ruling, expected in the coming months, could significantly impact hundreds of survivors seeking justice. Lawmakers included provisions in the act anticipating constitutional challenges, underscoring the complexity and emotional weight of the issue for victims. A decision on the matter is anticipated by August 2024.