Key Questions Need Answers Before Local Diocese Can Settle Lawsuits

KPBS | By KPBS Public Broadcasting

Published August 7, 2007 at 8:09 AM PDT

This story was published more than 16 years ago.

Did the Diocese of San Diego intentionally hide millions of dollars in assets from the bankruptcy court? If so, how will those actions impact the bankruptcy case and the sexual-abuse lawsuits filed ag

Maureen Cavanaugh (Guest Host): Last month, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles agreed to pay a $660-million settlement to 508 people who accused priests of sexual abuse. The settlement was the largest payout so far in the Catholic Church sex abuse scandal. With the Los Angeles lawsuits essentially resolved, people now are starting to wonder if the San Diego case could be next to settle. The San Diego Diocese faces lawsuits from more than 150 people who claim they were victims of sexual abuse by local Catholic priests. What are the biggest roadblocks in the way of reaching a settlement in San Diego?

Guests

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Mark Sauer, staff writer for the Union-Tribune who covers religion.
Scott B. Ehrlich, bankruptcy law professor at California Western School of Law.