The New Jersey State Bar Association thanks the Supreme Court for allowing the organization to participate in the important arguments made in J.H. v. Warren Hills Board of Education, a case addressing whether amendments to the Child Sexual Abuse Act expanding passive-abuser liability apply to lawsuits filed after the amendments took effect but involving alleged conduct that occurred beforehand. The Association sought to participate in the matter as amicus curiae to urge the justices to consider the Legislature’s broader purpose in enacting the sweeping amendments and to interpret the law in a way that fulfilled its intent to keep the courthouse doors open for all sexual assault victims. While the Supreme Court ultimately concluded that the expanded passive-abuser liability provisions apply only to instances of sexual abuse committed after the law’s enactment, the NJSBA appreciates the Court’s consideration of its arguments and remains committed to advocating for broad access to the courts.
The Association thanks NJSBA Second Vice President Craig J. Hubert and NJSBA Trustee Thomas J. Manzo for their work in preparing the Association’s amicus brief and oral argument presentation.