Misconception by Design

Perverted Justice

Episode 5: Misconception by Design Episode Summary

In this pivotal episode of Perverted Justice, Shielagh Clark dives deeper into the complexities of civil litigation, sharing her personal journey through the legal system and its intersection with her fight for justice against Hyde Park Baptist Church.

Shielagh begins with a detailed yet accessible breakdown of legal procedures, including the Child Victims Act (CVA) and the distinctions between civil and criminal law. From pleadings to discovery and beyond, listeners are guided through the mechanics of her case, offering clarity on the challenges survivors face when seeking justice.

The episode then shifts to personal reflections on the filing of her complaint, the limitations imposed by the CVA, and the emotional toll of distilling lived trauma into legal documents. Shielagh candidly discusses the church's inadequate response and contrasts it with her hopes for truth, reconciliation, and institutional accountability.

Lastly, Shielagh examines the broader implications of civil litigation, highlighting its potential to drive systemic change. With references to historical cases like the McDonald’s hot coffee lawsuit and the Boston Globe’s exposé of abuse in the Catholic Church, she underscores the critical role of survivors, journalists, and advocates in holding institutions accountable.

Resources Mentioned

• Books:
  • Trauma and Recovery by Judith Herman
  • Suffering and the Heart of God by Diane Langberg
  • We Too: How the Church Can Respond Redemptively to the Sexual Abuse Crisis by Mary DeMuth
  • The Wounded Heart by Dan Allender
  • UnTwisting Scripture by Rebecca Davis
• Films: Spotlight (2015) – A film detailing the Boston Globe's investigation into the Catholic Church abuse scandal.
• Articles: https://bit.ly/MidHudsonCVA
• Complaint: https://bit.ly/cvacomplaint
• Cheat sheet: https://bit.ly/pj-cheatsheet

Homework for Listeners

• Explore the McDonald’s hot coffee lawsuit for insights into the real story behind this misunderstood case. https://bit.ly/McDCoffeeSuit
• Reflect on the role of civil litigation in driving accountability within institutions.

Call to Action

If you’ve found this episode thought-provoking, please rate, review, and share Perverted Justice with your community. Together, we can advocate for radical honesty and systemic change.

Time Period Covered: Spring of 2020