Justice Denied: What America Must Do to Protect its Children

by Marci A. Hamilton

Recent events such as the clergy abuse scandal in the Catholic Church have brought the once-taboo subject of childhood sexual abuse to the forefront. But despite increasing awareness of the problem, the United States has not succeeded in establishing effective means of deterring and preventing it, leaving the children of today and tomorrow vulnerable. Hamilton proposes a comprehensive yet simple solution: eliminate the arbitrary statutes of limitation for childhood sexual abuse so that survivors past and present can get into court. Removing this merely procedural barrier permits the millions of survivors to make public the identities of their perpetrators and to receive justice and much-deserved compensation. Standing in the way, however, are formidable opponents such as the insurance industry and the hierarchy of the Roman Catholic Church. In Justice Denied, Hamilton predicts a coming civil rights movement for children and explains why it is in the interest of all Americans to allow victims of childhood sexual abuse this chance to seek justice when they are ready.

168 pages, Hardcover

First published April 7, 2008

Reviews

[Marjanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is very well written, and fairly easy to understand (especially considering it is primarily about the law). The author tells you what her position is and defends it well. The biggest point is that by removing all Statutes of Limitations, in regards to the sexual abuse of children, would better identify child predators, especially family members and friends who are responsible for a large portion of child abuse. I think she makes a good point. If adults realize that they cannot get away with it, that their victim(s) can take them to court at anytime, then it may be a better deterrent.

[Ietrio · Rating 1 out of 5]

A hysteric argument for the Total State. Cherry picking seems to be a standard Hamilton has found way too high so mostly it's about "this person supports something like what I want because this other person said something about the same".