LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – The Arkansas Supreme Court is preparing to weigh in on a case that could determine whether survivors of childhood sexual abuse can pursue justice decades after the abuse occurred.

The question before the court is whether the Justice for Vulnerable Victims of Sexual Abuse Act—a 2021 law passed by the Arkansas Legislature—can revive civil lawsuits that had already expired under the state’s statute of limitations. If the justices rule the law is valid, dozens of lawsuits across the state could move forward. If not, many of those cases will be dismissed for good.

The high court’s decision won’t just affect one lawsuit. Claims currently on hold include cases against former physician James Darrell Nesmith, convicted child rapist Barry Walker, and the Lord’s Ranch, a defunct

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