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	LA Archdiocese Appeal Could Delay Clergy Abuse Trials San Francisco Chronicle [Los Angeles CA] March 8, 2006 http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2006/03/08/ state/n063805S93.DTL&hw=catholic&sn=005&sc=881 Dozens of priest molestation claims that are set to go to trial this year could be delayed because of an appeal filed by attorneys for Roman Catholic Cardinal Roger Mahony, plaintiffs' lawyers say. The appeal filed Tuesday seeks to unseal confidential documents pertaining to older abuse allegations. The documents, known as certificates of merit, are statements from mental health professionals declaring that the abuse claim is credible. The documents were intended to prevent frivolous claims. Lee W. Potts, an attorney for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles, said the appeal was aimed at learning "what is in the certificates, how the court reviewed them and give us a chance to test the validity of the certificates of merit." Plaintiffs' lawyers and advocates, however, accused the church of trying to stall the nearly 560 civil cases pending against it in Los Angeles and San Diego counties. "This action clearly shows that Cardinal Mahony has no intention of settling these cases or helping to protect kids, contrary to his public comments," said Mary Grant, southwest regional director of Survivors Network for Those Abused by Priests. Forty-four of the 560 abuse cases are set to go to trial as early as this year. The church and lawyers for the alleged molestation victims have said they would try to settle the cases, but plaintiffs' attorneys said the appeal could muddy the talks.
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