New Jersey Supreme Court Allows Grand Jury Investigation Into Clergy Sex Abuse Allegations

The New Jersey Supreme Court has ruled that a grand jury can investigate allegations of child sexual abuse by clergy members in the Catholic Church, overturning previous court decisions that had blocked such inquiries. The Diocese of Camden, which had long opposed the grand jury, reversed its stance in May under Bishop Joseph Williams, who cited unanimous consent among diocesan stakeholders to end opposition. The ruling allows the state attorney general to proceed with a statewide investigation into decades of abuse, following a 2018 Pennsylvania grand jury report that exposed widespread clergy abuse, prompting New Jersey's inquiry. The court emphasized that it was not presuming outcomes or contents of the grand jury's findings, which will be subject to trial court review before becoming public. The Diocese expressed sorrow and support for victims, while the attorney general's office hailed the decision as a crucial step toward transparency and justice. Survivors' advocacy groups welcomed the ruling cautiously, hoping it signals meaningful leadership and healing after years of legal battles.