The state’s highest court ruled Jan. 28 that expired time limits on lawsuits can’t be undone, blocking certain abuse claims against the Diocese of Portland.

The Roman Catholic Bishop of Maine challenged the law after it was sued by dozens of adults who claimed they were abused by clergy members.

The Maine Supreme Judicial Court overturned a 2021 law that had paved the way for dozens of child sexual assault lawsuits.

The court ruled that a recently passed state law eliminating the statute of limitations on civil lawsuits involving child sexual abuse is unconstitutional.