In a recent case, West Contra Costa Unified School District v. Contra Costa County Superior Court, Public Justice filed an amicus brief to defend a crucial California law that extends the statute of limitations for survivors of childhood sexual abuse, allowing them to seek justice even after many years. The case involves Jane Doe, who was repeatedly sexually abused by her high school guidance counselor from 1979 to 1983. Despite her efforts to report the abuse, school officials dismissed her claims, leaving her with no recourse at the time.
In 2019, California passed a law providing a three-year window for survivors like Jane to file claims that were previously time-barred. When Jane sued the school district under this new law, the district sought to dismiss the case, arguing that the law represented an unconstitutional "gift" of public funds. The California Superior Court ruled in favor of the law's constitutionality, but the school district has since appealed.
Public Justice, along with other advocacy groups, supports Jane’s case, arguing that the law is not a gift but a necessary legal remedy for survivors.
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