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Legal Developments

Issues that affect ministers and churches
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StateTitle Category

Court Barred from Deciding Pastor’s Breach of Contract Claim Member access only

Clergy - Discipline and Removal

Failure to Conduct Criminal Background Check Showed Negligence Member access only

Sexual Misconduct by Clergy, Lay Employees, and Volunteers

Church Leader Caught in Embezzlement Scheme Goes to Prison Member access only

Fraud

Dealing with Disruptive Individuals During Church Member access only

Church Members

Church Not Liable for Injuries Sustained by Teen at Youth Event Member access only

Personal Injuries on Church Property or During Church Activities

Church’s Director of Music Was a “Minister” for Purposes of the Ministerial Exception Member access only

Employment Practices

Church Protected by “Qualified Privilege” from Defamation Claims by Minister Member access only

Defamation; Sexual Harassment; Sexual Misconduct by Clergy, Lay Employees, and Volunteers

Court affirmed Youth Pastor’s 40-year Sentence for predatory sexual assault Member access only

Sexual Misconduct by Clergy, Lay Employees, and Volunteers

A Church Could Be Liable for Negligent Hiring and Supervision Member access only

Sexual Misconduct by Clergy, Lay Employees, and Volunteers

Statute of Limitations Bars Sexual Abuse Lawsuit Member access only

Sexual Misconduct by Clergy, Lay Employees, and Volunteers

Judge’s Severe Comments During Youth Pastor’s Trial Ruled Insufficient Grounds to Reverse Conviction Member access only

Sexual Misconduct by Clergy, Lay Employees, and Volunteers

Incriminating Statements Made to Pastor Not Confidential Due to Public Setting, Retelling to Others Member access only

Confidential and Privileged Communications

Lay Bible Study Leader Successfully Invokes Clergy-Penitent Privilege Member access only

Confidential and Privileged Communications; Counseling

Author's Identity of Anonymous Letter Not Protected by Clergy-Penitent Privilege Member access only

Confidential and Privileged Communications

Court Rules Former Employee of Church School Ineligible for Unemployment Benefits Member access only

Liability for Positive References Member access only

Anonymous Online Posting May Not Safeguard Individuals from Defamation Claims, Disclosure of Identity Member access only

Defamation

Former Scout Leader Sued for Molestation Member access only

Denominations - Legal Liability; Sexual Misconduct by Clergy, Lay Employees, and Volunteers

Violating the Americans with Disabilities Act Member access only

Clergy - Removal; Employment Practices

Invasion of Privacy Lawsuit Member access only

Invasion of Privacy