In a major win for abuse survivors, the Supreme Court of Maryland has upheld the constitutionality of the Child Victims Act of 2023, allowing survivors of childhood abuse to seek justice regardless of when the abuse occurred. This landmark ruling removes legal barriers that once shielded institutions from accountability.
In a 4-3 decision, the court affirmed that the Maryland General Assembly had the authority to retroactively eliminate the statute of limitations. Writing for the majority, Chief Justice Matthew Fader made it clear: defendants do not have a vested right to immunity from lawsuits.
Bailey & Glasser, LLP, along with three other law firms, filed lawsuits on the very day the law took effect, representing thousands of survivors abused in Maryland’s juvenile detention centers when they were just children. The lawsuits allege that past administrations allowed systemic abuse, including rape, torture, and severe neglect, failing to protect vulnerable children for decades.
Todd Mathews, lead counsel for the Bailey Glasser team stated, “This ruling is a watershed moment for survivors of child sexual abuse in Maryland. Survivors have fought too long to have their voices heard, and today, the court made it clear that their pursuit of justice will not be denied.” Sharon Iskra, BG’s Institutional Abuse & Neglect team leader added, “The trauma of abuse does not expire, and neither should the right to seek accountability.”
For survivors, this ruling is life-changing, one stating: “I’m so relieved that we are being affirmed this way; that after all we’ve been through, we now have a voice, and it will not be taken away.”
In addition to Todd Mathews and Sharon Iskra, the Bailey Glasser team leading the fight for survivors includes founding partner Brian A. Glasser, and David Selby II.
Bailey Glasser and its co-counsel are committed to holding the State accountable and fighting for justice for survivors. Learn more about our fight for Maryland juvenile abuse survivors here.
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