The Catholic Church’s legal loophole for abuse

<p>Are Catholic priests employed by the Church, or by the hand of God?</p> <p>This question was at the heart of a five-year legal battle between a survivor of child sexual abuse seeking compensation from the Catholic Church and Bishop Paul Bird of the Catholic Diocese of Ballarat.</p> <p>The High Court&rsquo;s decision last November &ndash; that the Catholic Church does not employ priests and therefore is not liable &ndash; came as a surprise to lawyers and as a devastating blow to survivors seeking justice.</p> <p>Australia now stands alone among common law jurisdictions in taking this stance.</p> <p>Today, lawyer and advocate representing victims of institutional abuse, Judy Courtin, on the far-reaching consequences of this ruling &ndash; and how the courts continue to fail victim-survivors.</p> <p><br />If you enjoy <em>7am</em>, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at <a href="http://7ampodcast.com.au/support">7ampodcast.com.au/support</a>.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Socials:</strong><strong> </strong>Stay in touch with us on <a href="http://www.instagram.com/7ampodcast">Instagram</a></p> <p><strong>Guest:</strong> Lawyer and advocate representing victims of institutional abuse, Judy Courtin.</p> <p><strong>Photo: </strong>AAP Image/Lukas Coch</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>