Denominational Liability—In General There exist a plethora of national, regional, state, and local agencies of national and international
Vicarious Liability (Respondeat Superior) Richard R. Hammar, J.D., LL.M., CPA Key point 10-02. The doctrine of respondeat superior imposes
Negligence as a Basis for Liability—In General Key point 10-01. Negligence is conduct that creates an unreasonable risk of foreseeable harm to
Copyright Ownership Key point 9-05.01. Copyright ownership vests initially in the author of a work. Who owns
Works Made for Hire Key point 9-05.02. Works created by employees within the scope of their employment are “works
Exclusive Rights Section 106 of the copyright law gives the following six “exclusive rights” to a copyright
Infringement Key point 9-05.04. Copyright infringement occurs when one violates any one or more of the
The “Religious Service” Exemption to Copyright Infringement Key point 9-05.05. A copyrighted musical or dramatico-musical work of a religious nature may be
Other Exceptions to Copyright Infringement Key point 9-05.10. There are several exceptions to copyright infringement, including fair use, religious displays,
Electronic Media Key point § 9-05.06. Publishers cannot place the contents of magazines and other periodicals in
Copyright Law The application of copyright law to churches is discussed fully in R. Hammar’s Essential Guide
Judicial Resolution of Church Disputes Key point 9-07. The First Amendment allows civil courts to resolve internal church disputes so
Lead Paint on Church Property Key point 7-08.01. Many children are poisoned each year by eating lead-based paint. In an
Liability Based on Status as Invitee, Licensee, or Trespasser Key point 7-20.01. In most states, whether a church is liable for injuries occurring on
Defenses to Premises Liability Key point 7-20.02. A variety of defenses are available to a church that is sued
Use of Church Property by Outside Groups Key point 7-20.03. Churches may be legally responsible for injuries occurring on their premises while
Assaults on Church Property Key point 7-20.04. A church may be legally responsible for assaults occurring on its premises
Sound Rooms Key point 7-20.06. Many churches have installed sound rooms on their property to centralize and
Congregational Churches Key point 7-03.01. The civil courts resolve disputes over the ownership and control of property