Jump directly to the Content

Legal Developments

Issues that affect ministers and churches
[reset]
StateTitle Category

City Ordered to Pay Fees, Damages for RLUIPA Violation Member access only

Church Property

Case Underscores IRS’s Power to Impose Tax Liens on Ministries Member access only

Income Taxes - Clergy

Sexual Abuse Conviction Upheld Despite the Defendant’s Claim His Pastor Broke Privilege Member access only

Confidential and Privileged Communications

Ex-Employee’s Lawsuit Against Church Fails Under Church Autonomy Doctrine Member access only

First Amendment

Sexting Contributed to Court’s Sentencing a Man to a 52-Year Prison Term Member access only

Sexual Misconduct by Clergy, Lay Employees, and Volunteers

Are Ministers Always Exempt from State-Required Counseling Licenses? Member access only

Malpractice

First Amendment Bars Court from Resolving Dismissed Member’s Lawsuit Member access only

Church Members; Defamation

Compelling Priest to Disclose Confidential Information Violated Religious Freedom Restoration Act Member access only

Confidential and Privileged Communications

Woman’s Estate Plan Leaving Funds to Church Can Not Be Subverted by Caregiver’s Undue Influence Member access only

Wills, Trusts, and Estates

Court Expresses Increased Interest in Cellphone Use and Accident Liability Member access only

Personal Injuries on Church Property or During Church Activities

Benevolence Funds and Money Laundering Member access only

Fraud

Father Asks Court to have Son's Ashes Divided Member access only

Church Member Sues Pastor for Defamation Member access only

Defamation; Fiduciary Duty

Removal of Church Board Members Member access only

Breach of Contract; Charters, Constitutions, and Bylaws; Officers, Directors, and Trustees

Use of Discretionary Funds for Personal Purposes Member access only

Discretionary Funds; Fraud

Court Intervention in Church Legal Disputes Member access only

Charters, Constitutions, and Bylaws; Church Members

Church Officials Violate of Freedom of Speech Member access only

Invasion of Privacy

Liability for Off-Site Activities Member access only

Expectation of Secrecy Member access only

Confidential and Privileged Communications

Legal Marriage Requirements Member access only

Marriage