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Fordham Law School

Catholic Church sex abuse scandal

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The First Amendment: Churches Seeking Sanctuary For The Sins Of The Fathers, Jeffrey R. Anderson, Mark A. Wendorf, Frances E. Baillon, Brant D. Penney Jan 2004

The First Amendment: Churches Seeking Sanctuary For The Sins Of The Fathers, Jeffrey R. Anderson, Mark A. Wendorf, Frances E. Baillon, Brant D. Penney

Fordham Urban Law Journal

This article examines whether the Free Exercise Clause or Establishment Clause of the First Amendment, or the judicial abstention doctrine, shields religious institutions from otherwise cognizable tort claims caused by their agents or employees. It concludes that the Constitution does not provide a religious institution with the right or privilege to operate as a law unto itself -- the institution must comply with the law of civil government. Part I provides a brief introduction and background on the First Amendment. Parts II, III, and IV analyze the Free Exercise Clause, judicial abstention doctrine, and the Establishment Clause, respectively, and how …


Catholic Clergy Sexual Abuse Meets The Civil Law, Thomas P. Doyle, Stephen C. Rubino Jan 2004

Catholic Clergy Sexual Abuse Meets The Civil Law, Thomas P. Doyle, Stephen C. Rubino

Fordham Urban Law Journal

This article examines the sexual abuse scandal that has racked the Roman Catholic Church since 1984, focusing in particular on how the Church's authority structure has responded and how the American civil court system has been used by victims to seek redress. It gives an overview of the Church's legal system, Canon Law, and the way that system and the Church leadership have dealt (or failed to deal) with the problem of sexual abuse. Part II takes a "long look back" to the history of sexual abuse and Canon Law before 1984. Part III details how the Church has dealt …