Judge: Elders NOT required to report abuse

by Nathan Natas 65 Replies latest watchtower scandals

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  sf

  RECOVERED MEMORY THERAPISTS LOSING IN THE COURTS
  ... toll free: USA & Canada), 519-652-2619 (voice), [email protected] (email). ... reported
  that in MANCHESTER, NEW HAMPSHIRE, Superior Court Judge William Groff set a ...
  www.wayoflife.org/fbns/therapists.htm - 26k - Cached - Similar pages

  >> Look what the hypocritical judge says here in this case:

  Molester gets long sentence
  ... Hannon's wife and three children, ages 13 to 15, attended the sentencing, and
  his wife and daughter pleaded with Judge William Groff to show mercy. ...
  www.cmonitor.com/stories/news/state2003/ 041303_sex_conviction_2003.shtml - 17k - Cached - Similar pages :

  [ >> "

  Groff said later that while he sympathized with Hannon's family, the crimes were such an "abomination" that his otherwise decent conduct is "almost irrelevant."

  "Sexual assault on a child has to be the most heinous crime in a lexicon of sordid criminal conduct," Groff said, adding later, "Such attacks on our children will simply not be tolerated. Short of murder, I can't think of any acts more destructive." << ]
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  Mulan

  The judge has to go with the letter of the law. If anyone has ever watched Law and Order (on TV in U.S.) you know many injustices happen because of the way laws are written. Very sad.
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  Pork Chop

  Amazing isn't it, everyone's in love with the law, until it doesn't do what they want.
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  DJ

  The laws of the land should never allow criminal acts to go unreported to the police. Mininster, shiminster..... Romans 13 covers what the jw's should do....even Sword of Jah admitted to that!
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  UnDisfellowshipped

  This is insane.

  I think this case should be taken all the way to the United States Supreme Court, if possible.

  Where does the Government draw the line?

  Could NAMBLA become a religion in New Hampshire, and then legally molest and rape all the children they want?

  Wait a minute, is the Ku Klux Klan a religion? Does that mean they can legally murder black people in New Hampshire?

  Why doesn't Osama Bin Laden come and set up a religion in New Hampshire, and then he could legally blow up buildings?

  So, according to this Judge, and according to New Hampshire's Laws, it is perfectly okay for Priests, Pastors, Elders, Rabbis, etc, etc to cover up and protect MURDERERS? RAPISTS? KIDNAPPERS? AL QAIDA TERRORISTS? MOLESTERS?

  Where is the line drawn?

  Can a religion in New Hampshire claim that according to its "Holy Book" its members must molest children, and this would be legal?

  As George W. Bush has said: "Harboring terrorists is the same as being a terrorist".

  Well, I say: "Harboring molesters is the same as being a molester".
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  Ron1968

  This case should be appealed. Maybe a judge that has his right mind will sit for the next case. Judges have too much power I think in general.

  Ron
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  DevonMcBride

  It is disappointing, however, they are appealing the judgement to the State Supreme Court. The sisters have another chance and their lawyers now know what they are up against. Unfortunately, appeals take so long to be heard but better late than never.

  Devon

  It ain't over till it's over.
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  reporter

  To lay a little background into this situation, the Berry sisters' case was laid open in the CBC Canadian production of Fifth Estate, in case some newcomers and others want to check into this further.

  I concur with the others. This ruling is an outrage, and does nothing to help protect or advocate on behalf of the children involved. Furthermore, churches can now be further emboldened to hide criminal acts behind the cloak of a minister.
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  outnfree

  This is what Rule 505 says in New Hampshire Law:
  

  RULES OF EVIDENCE

  ARTICLE V. PRIVILEGES

  Rule 505. Religious Privilege

  A priest, rabbi or ordained or licensed minister of any church or a duly accredited Christian Science practitioner shall not be required to disclose a confession or confidence made to him or her in his or her professional character as spiritual advisor unless the person confessing or confiding waives the privilege.
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  outnfree

  Ok -- having difficulty, as you can see.

  On the other hand,

  http://www.calib.com/nccanch/statutes/stats02/mandatory/nh.cfm

  This link will take you to the present NH statute concerning who must report and the fact that clergy-penitent privilege is expressly DENIED.

  Has this changed? Or was the law not in effect at the time the Berry sisters were molested and their mom was asking for help? If not the latter, I just don't get it. The statute and the rule seem to conflict?

  outnfree