Maine’s Supreme Judicial Court ruled Tuesday that a law removing the statute of limitations for civil claims related to child sexual abuse is unconstitutional. The decision, which impacts lawsuits filed against the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland, is seen as a major legal victory for institutions facing historic abuse claims.
The 2021 law was challenged by the diocese, which has faced numerous lawsuits alleging past sexual abuse by clergy members. The court’s decision leaves uncertainty about the future of those claims.
Court Rules Expired Claims Cannot Be Revived
In its ruling, the court determined that once a statute of limitations expires, a defendant has a vested right to be free from the claim. Therefore, retroactively removing time limits violated constitutional protections.
“A right to be free of that claim has vested, and the claim cannot be revived,” the ruling stated. Two justices dissented.
The decision could halt many lawsuits filed under the 2021 law, leaving survivors without a legal path to pursue justice in civil court.
Church Leaders and Plaintiffs React
Bishop James Ruggieri acknowledged the ruling but noted ongoing uncertainty about the legal implications.
“A degree of uncertainty still remains, and in the coming days, weeks, and months, in consultation with diocesan, parish, and lay advisors, I will prayerfully assess the path forward for the diocese,” he said.
Ruggieri also extended an acknowledgment to abuse survivors, stating:
“I want to reach out to the victims and survivors to acknowledge the impact this past abuse has had on their lives.”
The Broader Impact on Clergy Abuse Lawsuits
The Roman Catholic Church has faced waves of lawsuits nationwide over allegations of sexual abuse by priests. Several dioceses have filed for bankruptcy due to the financial burden of settlements and legal fees.
It remains unclear how the Maine ruling will affect pending lawsuits against the Portland diocese. Attorneys representing survivors had argued the law was necessary to ensure justice for victims whose cases were previously barred by time limits.
This ruling sets a precedent that could influence similar legal battles in other states where lawmakers have sought to extend or eliminate statutes of limitations on child sex abuse claims.