Anyone know of update on Delaware legal case?

by careful 4 Replies latest watchtower child-abuse

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  careful

  Does anyone know of any updates on this case about the clergy-penitent privilege?

  https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/Lawsuit-Against-Jehovahs-Witnesses-Elders-for-Not-Reporting-Child-Abuse-Continues-443003903.html
  

  This was the latest thing (last Sept.) I could find in a google search.
  
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  careful

  The reason I ask this question is that I'm wondering why US law enforcement agencies haven't moved against individuals (perpetrators) within the organization for child abuse cases, given that other countries' LEA have, like Australia. Could it be that they want the courts to rule on this clergy-penitent privilege issue first? Anyone have anything to offer on this?
  
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  Corney

  It looks like this case was settled
  

  
  Status: CLOSED - CLOSED

  ...
  31-JAN-2018
  04:19 PM STIPULATION OF DISMISSAL TIGANI, JANICE R [Delaware DOJ attorney]
  Entry: CLOSED: STIPULATION OF DISMISSAL DATE DOCKETED: FEBRUARY 3, 2018 STIPULATION OF DISMISSAL ACCEPTED BY: NT TRANSACTION ID: 61632073

  06-FEB-2018
  11:25 AM ORDER JOHNSTON, MARY M [Judge]
  Entry: ORDER SIGNED BY DATE DOCKETED: FEBRUARY 7, 2018 ORDER SIGNED BY: JOHNSTON, MARY M GRANTED (STIPULATION OF DISMISSAL) ACCEPTED BY: NT TRANSACTION ID: 61651354
  

  https://courtconnect.courts.delaware.gov/public/ck_public_qry_doct.cp_dktrpt_frames?backto=P&case_id=N14C-05-122&begin_date=&end_date=
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  Corney

  The case was actually settled: no admission of guilt, but $19,500 (nearly two thirds of the highest possible penalty) were to be paid by the congregation and two elders collectively, and the elders agreed to participate in a special training. More info on http://jwsurvey.org/child-abuse-2/jehovahs-witness-elders-fined-for-failure-to-report-child-abuse-watchtower-settles-with-Delaware
  
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  StephaneLaliberte

  1) The fine ridiculous. This is pocket change for the society.

  2) I am very happy that they are forced to take special training from a third organization. I am not aware of this type of thing anywhere.

  3) This creates precedent: It established that (at least in Delaware), JWs could not hide behind their religious rights and dodge the reporting law. Thus, I'd expect for all future abuses taking place in Delaware to be reported to the authorities.

  4) This could give some momentum to other states to move on. This case has put a serious hole into the Judicial Shield of the JWs and other prosecutors will take advantage of this.