In this second part of a discussion of the Catholic sexual abuse in New Jersey, UNLV Boyd School of Law professor Leslie C. Griffin delves deeper into the history of sexual abuse cases against the Catholic Church in New Jersey, focusing on earlier cases, the impact of charitable immunity laws, and recent legal developments including bankruptcy filings and ongoing lawsuits. Professor Griffin highlights the complexities of these cases, including issues of jurisdiction, insurance disputes, and the ongoing struggle for justice, while also noting the significant financial settlements made by the Church and the continuing efforts of survivors and their lawyers to hold the institution accountable for past abuses.

UNLV Boyd School of Law professor Leslie C. Griffin discusses the history and current state of sexual abuse cases against the Catholic Church in New Jersey, focusing on high-profile cases like that of former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick and the impact of recent legislative changes extending the statute of limitations for abuse claims. Professor Griffin details the numerous lawsuits filed during a two-year “lookback window,” the church’s efforts to compensate victims outside of court, and the ongoing struggle for justice and accountability, highlighting the widespread nature of the abuse and the challenges faced by survivors in seeking redress.

UC Davis Law professor Vikram David Amar and Yale College senior Ethan Yan discuss the complexities and legal questions around a potential U.S. Senate vacancy in New Jersey, focusing on the current political situation surrounding Senator Bob Menendez. Professor Amar and Mr. Yan conclude that while New Jersey law allows Governor Phil Murphy considerable discretion in filling a Senate vacancy, including the possibility of appointing his wife Tammy, such a move would likely be politically damaging, even if constitutionally permissible.

SMU Dedman School of Law professor Joanna L. Grossman comments on the New Jersey legislature’s recent passage of a bill to legalize gestation surrogacy. Grossman describes the long battle over surrogacy in that state, from the nationally influential decision by its supreme court, In the Matter of Baby M, to two surrogacy bills passed by the legislature but vetoed by then-Governor Chris Christie, to the present bill signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy.