State Supreme Court Overturns Previous Ruling
In a significant reversal, Louisiana’s highest court has reopened the window for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse to file civil lawsuits. This 5-2 decision, issued Wednesday, effectively overturns a controversial March ruling that struck down a state law designed to provide this opportunity.
“Look-Back” Law Offers Second Chance
The law in question, known as a “look-back” law, was passed in 2021 and amended in 2022. Its purpose is to grant victims of past abuse, whose legal deadlines to file lawsuits had previously expired, a renewed chance to seek justice. The original legislation offered a filing deadline of June 14, 2024, which was later extended to June 2027.
Reversal After Initial Rejection
This ruling comes as a surprise to some. In March 2024, the Louisiana Supreme Court, by a 4-3 vote, ruled against the look-back law, citing conflicts with the state constitution’s due process guarantees. However, the court agreed to revisit the case last month, paving the way for Wednesday’s reversal.
Shifting Sands: Justices Change Course
Two justices, Scott Crichton and Piper Griffin, who were part of the original majority against the look-back law, switched sides in this latest ruling. They joined Chief Justice John Weimer and Justices Jay McCallum and William Crain in reviving the legislation.
Majority Opinion Prioritizes Victim Opportunity
Chief Justice Weimer, writing for the majority, emphasized the importance of offering a path to justice for victims. He stated, “For many victims of child sexual abuse, the revival provision represents their first and only opportunity to bring suit.” The court determined that providing such an opportunity is a legitimate legislative objective.
Case Rooted in Catholic Church Abuse Scandal
The legal battle surrounding the look-back law originated from a lawsuit filed against the Catholic Diocese of Lafayette. The plaintiffs, who were abused by a priest in the 1970s as children, were seeking legal recourse through the revived legislation.
