Maryland Supreme Court Reviews Child Victims Act's Constitutionality

Legal arguments focus on whether 2017 law provided permanent immunity for institutions accused of enabling child sexual abuse.

The Maryland Supreme Court is reviewing the constitutionality of the state's Child Victims Act of 2023, which eliminated the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse lawsuits.
Debate centers on whether a provision in the 2017 law constitutes a statute of limitations or a statute of repose, affecting defendants' liability.
The Archdiocese of Washington and other institutions argue the 2017 law provided them permanent immunity, which cannot be revoked.
Survivors and advocates argue the legislature intended to allow future changes to the law, emphasizing the long-lasting impact of abuse.
A ruling from the Maryland Supreme Court is expected by the end of its current term next August.