Maryland Supreme Court Upholds Child Victims Act, Delivering Justice for Survivors

February 06, 2025 at 15:00 PM EST

Baltimore, Maryland – In a historic and long-awaited victory, the Maryland Supreme Court has upheld the Child Victims Act of 2023, ensuring that survivors of childhood sexual abuse can finally seek justice—no matter how much time has passed. This ruling eliminates time-barred restrictions that had long protected institutions over survivors, affirming that justice should never have an expiration date.

The Maryland Supreme Court ruled that the 2017 law setting time limits for filing child sexual abuse claims was a statute of limitations, not a statute of repose, meaning it did not create a vested right to immunity for defendants. The court emphasized that statutes of limitations regulate when a lawsuit can be filed but do not grant defendants a substantive right to be free from liability. Unlike a statute of repose, which extinguishes claims outright after a set period, a statute of limitations can be extended or repealed by the legislature without violating due process. Because the 2017 law did not confer a vested right, the legislature had the authority to retroactively revive claims under the Child Victims Act, ensuring survivors could seek justice regardless of when the abuse occurred.

“For decades, survivors of childhood sexual abuse fought to have their voices heard. They spoke out when no one wanted to listen. They pushed for change when the system told them it was too late,” said Robert Jenner, founding partner of Jenner Law. “Today, because of their unwavering courage, the Maryland Supreme Court has affirmed their right to justice.”

Survivors and legal advocates have championed this law for years, fighting against powerful opposition to ensure that those responsible for abuse—and those who enabled it—could no longer hide behind procedural loopholes. The Supreme Court’s ruling confirms the Maryland General Assembly’s authority to retroactively extend the statute of limitations, recognizing that survivors of childhood abuse often need decades before they can come forward.

“This is more than just a legal victory—it is a moral one,” Jenner added. “The Child Victims Act was made possible by survivors who refused to be silenced and by advocates who stood beside them, fighting every step of the way. Today’s decision acknowledges the trauma survivors have endured and ensures they are no longer denied justice.”

Survivor Eva Dittrich expressed the emotional significance of this ruling:

“Today, justice was served for all of us who have lived with the scars of abuse for years. The Maryland Supreme Court’s decision restores our hope and gives us the opportunity to finally hold those responsible accountable. I’m grateful to everyone who fought for survivors like me, and today we feel seen and heard.”

The ruling came in response to legal challenges from institutions that argued the Child Victims Act improperly revived previously expired claims. The Supreme Court rejected these arguments, affirming that justice for survivors must take precedence over arbitrary legal deadlines.

“It takes a village to make justice a reality,” said Jenner Law partner, Elisha Hawk. “This victory didn’t happen overnight—it was built on the relentless dedication of survivors, lawyers, legal staff, advocates, and journalists who refused to let this fight be ignored. Despite overwhelming odds, despite powerful opposition, they stood firm. Today, because of their perseverance, Maryland survivors have the justice they have long deserved.”

With this decision, Maryland joins a growing number of states that have extended legal protections for survivors, ensuring they can seek justice on their own timeline. Jenner Law remains committed to representing survivors and ensuring they receive the justice they deserve.

Jenner Law is a nationally recognized law firm advocating for survivors of childhood sexual abuse, medical negligence, and institutional misconduct. The firm has successfully represented clients in high-profile cases nationwide, securing justice and accountability for those harmed.

Jenner Law
3600 Clipper Mill Road, Suite 240 Baltimore, MD 21211
410-413-2155
rjenner@jennerlawfirm.com
https://www.jennerlawfirm.com/
Press Contact : Robert K. Jenner

Distributed by Law Firm Newswire

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Maryland Supreme Court Upholds Child Victims Act, Delivering Justice for Survivors

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