Call me Scoop. Just now went back and read my July 16th notes and decided to copy and paste them here for others to read. It’s pretty much a transcript of what was said at the settlement hearing in LA Superior Court which which ended 508 plaintiffs’ cases against the Archdiocese. (Note: I’m not a court reporter, just incredibly fast.)
JUDGE HALEY FROMHOLZ: This was the date set for the trial re Hagenbach allegations. It was impossible over the weekend not to understand there’d be a settlement in these cases. This morning I need to establish it is a settlement, it covers the cases and it’s the desire of the attorneys, so that the trial dates can be vacated.
Judge asks Boucher to state it is a settlement and Hennigan does as well.
(Row of men stand up.)
BOUCHER: On behalf of the 508 who make up Clergy One plaintiffs we have reached a stm of principle that resolves all cases against the Los Angeles archdiocese and related entities --
Memo of understanding signed by all sides
(NOTE: Was it signed or is it yet to be signed?)
"660 million dollars"
BOUCHER: In addition a number of cases remain before the court concerning a number of religious orders who haven’t gone along with the stm
BOUCHER: But this releases the Los Angeles archdiocese.
BOUCHER: Release of personnel records and confidential files and those subpoenaed by third parties (is part of the settlement).
DEFENSE/CHURCH ATTORNEY J. MICHAEL HENNIGAN : First I want to the victims it is our deep regret that this took so long.
VICTIM CALLS OUT: Not accepted
JUDGE: This is a hearing. It’s not okay to testify
HENNIGAN: It’s been the most complex undertaking I’ve ever done in my career. This last week seemed to be endless we worked so hard. I’m indebted to the court for helping us reach this conclusion
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