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Legal Matters
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NSW to consider action over Church’s use of permanent stays
- . 3 November 2023
New South Wales Attorney General Michael Daley has ordered an urgent briefing on the landmark High Court decision over the Catholic Church’s legal approach in abuse cases. Source: The Guardian.
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High Court decision opens way for claims on abuse
- . 2 November 2023
A landmark decision by the High Court could open the door for a string of legal claims against institutions in which historical sexual abuse occurred. Source: The Australian.
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Church takes ‘secondary victims’ case to High Court
- . 23 October 2023
A High Court bid launched by the Catholic Church is set to have far-reaching consequences for personal injury claims in Victoria. Source: Herald Sun.
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Church provides report on Bishop Saunders, rejects accusations of law breach
- . 22 September 2023
The Church has rejected “unfounded allegations” made by West Australian politicians that it failed to abide by the state’s mandatory reporting laws, saying it takes its reporting obligations seriously. Source: ACBC Media Blog.
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Church to hand over Vatican report into Bishop Saunders to WA Police
- . 21 September 2023
The Catholic Church has announced it is “taking immediate steps” to hand over a report that levels serious sexual misconduct allegations against a West Australian bishop. Source: The West Australian.
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WA Police want Vatican report on Bishop Saunders
- . 20 September 2023
Western Australian Police have called on Church authorities to hand over the Vatican investigation into former Broome Bishop Christopher Saunders. Source: The West Australian.
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Allegations against Bishop Saunders ‘very serious and deeply distressing’
- . 19 September 2023
The Australian portion of a Vatican-ordered investigation into former Broome Bishop Christopher Saunders has been completed, Australian Catholic Bishops Conference president Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB has confirmed.
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McCarrick not competent to stand trial on abuse charges
- . 31 August 2023
A judge has ruled that former cardinal Theodore McCarrick is not competent to stand trial on criminal sexual abuse charges in Massachusetts. Source: CNA.
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Church loses bid to restrict family’s lawsuit
- . 28 August 2023
The Catholic Church has lost a bid to restrict the family members of victims of child abuse by clergy from bringing civil cases against the institution. Source: The Age.