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	LA Archdiocese Stung by Supreme Court Decision Prosecutors Hail Victory for Priest Abuse Victims NBC 4 [Los Angeles CA] April 18, 2006 http://www.nbc4.tv/news/8796493/detail.html LOS ANGELES -- The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles found itself smarting Tuesday after being dealt a major legal setback by the United States Supreme Court. On Monday the court refused to hear arguments from the archdiocese as to why the internal files of two priests accused of molesting children should not be turned over to a grand jury. That had the effect of letting stand lower court rulings against the archdiocese. "This is a decisive victory for victims of clerical abuse," said Los Angeles County District Attorney Steve Cooley. "It's unfortunate that it took four years of litigation to reach this day of justice for victims. "The U.S. Supreme Court's denial to review this matter establishes an important principle that evidence of criminality be made available to appropriate authorities," he added. The District Attorney's Office had sought the personnel files, but the Archdiocese resisted, citing constitutional issues. "Today's court decision that allows the release to the Los Angeles County District Attorney of 14 documents -- or 21 pages -- concerning two priests is disappointing," according to a statement released by the Archdiocese. "We accept the court's ruling. This ruling will have no effect on the ongoing efforts of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles to settle the civil cases through mediation." Civil lawsuits filed by more than 500 alleged victims of sexual abuse by clergy are pending against the Archdiocese. The legal battle began after a retired judge determined that the files should be turned over to the grand jury, leading the Archdiocese to appeal. In all but minor ways, the Court of Appeal upheld the trial court's decision. In November, the California Supreme Court declined to hear the case. By denying the writ sought by the Archdiocese, the U.S. Supreme Court allowed the Court of Appeal decision to stand. The Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, a support group with offices in Los Angeles County, issued a statement, criticizing Los Angeles Archbishop Roger Mahony's legal tactics. "Cardinal Mahony has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars, donated by generous Catholics, on far-fetched and increasingly unsuccessful legal maneuvers to keep hidden the secrets about abusive priests and complicit bishops," according to SNAP. "We are grateful that the nation's highest court, like so many California courts, is telling the cardinal to abide by the laws of the land."
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