Overview

• The state’s seven-member Supreme Court issued a unanimous ruling on June 16 permitting a special grand jury to investigate sexual abuse allegations by Catholic clergy.
• The decision overturned a 2023 ban after the Diocese of Camden, now led by Bishop Joseph A. Williams, withdrew its legal challenge to the statewide inquiry.
• Prosecutors can now convene a presentment-style grand jury to compile testimony and allegations across New Jersey, subject to an assignment judge’s review before publication.
• New Jersey launched its investigation following a 2018 Pennsylvania grand jury report that documented over 1,000 child victims of clergy abuse dating to the 1940s.
• Camden’s diocese declared bankruptcy amid more than 55 lawsuits and paid $87.5 million to settle claims by about 300 survivors, while state dioceses have named over 180 priests with credible abuse accusations.