Catholic Church Failed to Block Sex Abuses Cases at the Statehouse
The Archdiocese of Maryland paid lobbyists over $200,000 in an apparently failed effort to defeat a statute of limitations forgiveness measure and other pro-victim laws.
Professional lobbyists are people whose business is trying to influence legislation, regulation, or other government decisions, actions, or policies on behalf of a group or individual who hires them. Individuals and nonprofit organizations can also lobby as an act of volunteering or as a small part of their normal job. Governments often define “lobbying” for legal purposes and regulate organized group lobbying that has become influential.
Political Advocacy
“High-priced lobbyists” get a lot of flak in the media. But people must express themselves in the legislative process. A compassionate Baltimore sex abuse survivor lawyer (like the attorneys here at The Yost Legal Group) advocates for victims in court. That is an attorney’s most important job.
Attorneys also advocate for victims during the legislative process. Courtroom advocacy without legislative advocacy is like going hunting with a gun that only has one bullet. The best marksman in the world would probably come home empty-handed in that scenario. Likewise, unless legislators pass favorable laws, victims have little hope of obtaining fair compensation in court.
Usually, lawyers are witnesses in key committee hearings, assist in the legislative drafting process, and work for victim-friendly political candidates.
Legislative committee meetings are incredibly boring. But they give lawmakers information about the proposals they are considering. If lawyers do not appear at these hearings, their voices are silent. Attorneys often have expertise in areas like the statute of limitations that other professionals lack. Additionally, favorable testimony at legislative hearings builds a favorable legislative record, which means courts interpret these laws in victim-friendly ways.
Drafting legislation is part science and part art. Quite frankly, many politicians lack both skills.
A law must be drafted in a way that helps it accomplish its stated purpose. There should be little or no room for interpretation, especially an unfavorable interpretation. The best law ever drafted is useless if no one votes for it. That is where artistic legislative drafting skills come into play.
Finally, lawyers support certain candidates during their campaigns. That is something that all of us can do. Pretty much anyone can make phone calls, inform their friends about certain issues, and encourage like-minded people to vote.
Legal Advocacy
Most civil cases, including personal injury cases, settle out of court. But that does not mean a Baltimore personal injury attorney never sees the inside of a courtroom.
We mentioned legislative drafting above. Drafting legal pleadings requires the same skill sets. These pleadings must meet certain legal requirements and also appeal to judges. That is especially true for things like summary judgment or appellate briefs.
Insurance companies and other defendants usually file at least one pretrial motion which seeks to throw the victim/plaintiff’s case out of court. A Baltimore personal injury lawyer must be well-prepared for this hearing, properly present the correct legal arguments, and introduce the right evidence.
Formal mediation, which resolves most injury cases, is a sort of “mini trial.” Attorneys from both sides give informal opening statements. A good opening statement sets the tone for a successful mediation session.
Work With a Diligent Baltimore County Lawyer
Sex abuse survivors are entitled to significant compensation. For a free consultation with an experienced sexual abuse survivor lawyer in Baltimore, contact The Yost Legal Group: 1-800-967-8529. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can start working for you.