Roman Catholic Diocese of Jackson v. Morrison
Mississippi Supreme Court
905 So. 2d 1213 (en banc) (2005)
- Written by Alex Ruskell, JD
Facts
Morrison’s (plaintiff) three sons were sexually molested by their parish priest. Morrison informed the Roman Catholic Diocese of Jackson (defendant), who assured Morrison that the priest was receiving treatment for his “illness.” Morrison left the matter in the Diocese’s hands, and the Diocese allowed the priest to stay at the church for over a year, where he continued to abuse children. The Diocese then moved the priest to another parish, where he continued to molest children for another year before leaving the priesthood. Morrison sued the Diocese for damages related to the sexual molestation of his children. The Diocese argued that allowing Morrison to pursue his claim in civil court would excessively entangle the court in ecclesiastical matters and church policy, thus violating the First Amendment. The court ruled in Morrison’s favor and found it had jurisdiction to hear the case. The Diocese appealed.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Dickinson, J.)
Dissent (Smith, C.J.)
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