St. Thomas More Lawyers Society of Wisconsin
STMLS White Paper - Abuse Case Statute of Limitations
From the Executive Committee:
- January 23, 2008 -
To the Members of STMLS:
Greetings. We are providing as a PDF attachment to this email an advance copy of a white paper that was authorized by the Board of Directors at its last meeting. The paper addresses proposed legislation that would prospectively abolish the statute of limitations for child sex abuse crimes in Wisconsin and create a window during which claims now barred by the statute of limitations could be revived. Depending on one’s perspective, the legislation is referred to as “window”, “look-back”, or “reviver” legislation. The white paper speaks for itself. It was authorized by a unanimous vote of those present at the most recent Board meeting and later reviewed and approved by the Executive Committee. The paper is being circulated to members of the appropriate Senate and Assembly committees.
As you may know, Archbishop Dolan testified against this proposed legislation last week. A copy of his testimony along with a position paper submitted by the Catholic Conference are posted on the archdiocesan website.
We have taken this step after much prayer and reflection. It is not often that the Society ventures into the policy realm, but we feel that speaking out about this important issue is appropriate and in keeping with the example of our patron, perhaps especially because our position will not be uniformly popular or accepted.
Lastly, we thank those of you who volunteered to work on this project. Due to the legislative calendar, we had to get something out the door quickly, if at all, and there was not time to seek input or assistance from all those who volunteered. In the event this legislation becomes law, there will likely be a case testing its constitutionality. At that time, it may be appropriate for the Society to consider filing an amicus brief with a more extended analysis of the legal and constitutional issues presented.
Yours in Christ,
THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Jonathan Koenig, President
James Carrig, Past President
Tom Hruz, President-Elect
Bruce Arnold, Secretary
Justin Longley, Treasurer
- January 23, 2008 -
To the Members of STMLS:
Greetings. We are providing as a PDF attachment to this email an advance copy of a white paper that was authorized by the Board of Directors at its last meeting. The paper addresses proposed legislation that would prospectively abolish the statute of limitations for child sex abuse crimes in Wisconsin and create a window during which claims now barred by the statute of limitations could be revived. Depending on one’s perspective, the legislation is referred to as “window”, “look-back”, or “reviver” legislation. The white paper speaks for itself. It was authorized by a unanimous vote of those present at the most recent Board meeting and later reviewed and approved by the Executive Committee. The paper is being circulated to members of the appropriate Senate and Assembly committees.
As you may know, Archbishop Dolan testified against this proposed legislation last week. A copy of his testimony along with a position paper submitted by the Catholic Conference are posted on the archdiocesan website.
We have taken this step after much prayer and reflection. It is not often that the Society ventures into the policy realm, but we feel that speaking out about this important issue is appropriate and in keeping with the example of our patron, perhaps especially because our position will not be uniformly popular or accepted.
Lastly, we thank those of you who volunteered to work on this project. Due to the legislative calendar, we had to get something out the door quickly, if at all, and there was not time to seek input or assistance from all those who volunteered. In the event this legislation becomes law, there will likely be a case testing its constitutionality. At that time, it may be appropriate for the Society to consider filing an amicus brief with a more extended analysis of the legal and constitutional issues presented.
Yours in Christ,
THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Jonathan Koenig, President
James Carrig, Past President
Tom Hruz, President-Elect
Bruce Arnold, Secretary
Justin Longley, Treasurer
posted by Geoff | 12:21 PM
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