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Liability

FederalFederal

A Nearly $22 Million Verdict for Sexual Abuse Not Excessive, Affirms Federal Appeals Court Member access only

Churches should understand that a single incident of child abuse can expose a church to damages far in excess of its insurance coverage.
Richard R. Hammar
NebraskaNebraska

Nebraska Case Underscores Importance of Knowing and Understanding State Marriage Laws Member access only

Ministers who ordain a marriage that results in a bigamous relationship can face criminal sanctions.
Richard R. Hammar
FederalFederal

Member Sickened from Food at Church Banquet Not Allowed to Sue Caterer Member access only

While the church wasn’t named in lawsuit, churches should note the potential liability they could face if accused of negligence.
Richard R. Hammar
MissouriMissouri

A Church’s Insurance Did Not Provide Coverage for Its Pastor’s Sexual Abuse of a Minor Member access only

Policy exclusion of criminal and intentional acts superseded its limited coverage of sexual misconduct claims, says court.
Richard R. Hammar
MississippiMississippi

A Denominational Office Was Not Liable Because a Pastor Infected His Former Wife with HIV Member access only

A Mississippi case demonstrates how ministers are not necessarily agents of their churches or denominational offices.
Richard R. Hammar
MichiganMichigan

Pastor Who Revealed Child’s Suicide During a Funeral Sermon Can’t Be Sued Member access only

Court: Ecclesiastical abstention doctrine bars lawsuit from the mother of deceased son.
Richard R. Hammar
Keeping Children Safe in Your Church, with guest Matthew Branaugh, Esq., of Christianity Today’s Church Law & Tax

Keeping Children Safe in Your Church, with guest Matthew Branaugh, Esq., of Christianity Today’s Church Law & Tax

Protecting your congregation and its children from sexual abuse.
Erika E. Cole
New JerseyNew Jersey

Volunteer Youth Leader Sentenced to Five Years for Molesting Teen Girl Member access only

Case illustrates high-risk behaviors that should alert churches to the potential for sexual abuse.
Richard R. Hammar
New JerseyNew Jersey

Convicted Sex Offender Sentenced to Five Years for Violating Megan’s Law Member access only

This case underscores four vulnerabilities creating risks, including the failure to consistently enforce an abuse-prevention policy.
Richard R. Hammar
TexasTexas

Intentional and Grossly Negligent Acts Negate Release Forms Member access only

A Texas appellate court says a signed release form didn’t bar an injured soccer player from pursuing an assault lawsuit.
Richard R. Hammar
Social Media, the Church, and the Law, with guest, Heather Thompson Day

Social Media, the Church, and the Law, with guest, Heather Thompson Day

Find out if your church is using social media wisely and how to avoid unexpected surprises.
Erika E. Cole
IowaIowa

Defamation Claim Dismissed Due to Church’s “Qualified Privilege” Member access only

Case illustrates a protection church leaders may receive when communicating negative information with members—but caution must be exercised.
Richard R. Hammar
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