Church Law & Tax Report
May/June 2013
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Feature Article
Clergy, Counseling, and Criminal Liability 
What churches must know about pastoral liability for sexual misconduct.
Richard R. Hammar
Articles
The Top Five Reasons Churches Go to Court 
Analysis of 12,000 cases reveals the leading legal risks for ministries.
Richard R. Hammar
Churches and Released Time Programs for Public Schools 
Steps for developing and maintaining a constitutionally sound effort.
Sarah E. Merkle
Recent Developments
Issues that affect ministers and churches, with Richard R. Hammar
Sexual Misconduct by Clergy, Lay Employees, and Volunteers
Church Not Responsible for Sexual Abuse of a Minor 
Assailant fully to blame for disregarded church's safety policies.
Employment Practices
There Is No Legal Duty to Perform Background Checks on Every Applicant 
Specifically when the position for hire is low-risk.
Pennsylvania Teacher Granted Unemployment 
Court rules that teacher terminated from church-affiliated school is eligible for unemployment benefits.