KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) - Lawyers representing Catholic Bishop Robert W. Finn are trying again to have misdemeanor charges dismissed against him and the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph.
The Kansas City Star reports (http://bit.ly/Jtj9p6 ) the lawyers filed motions last week arguing a state law that requires clergy and certain others to report any suspicions of child abuse is unconstitutionally vague.
A grand jury in October charged Finn and the diocese each with one misdemeanor of failing to report abuse allegations against Rev. Shawn Ratigan, who faces federal and state charges involving child pornography.
If the charges aren't dismissed on constitutional grounds, defense lawyers asked that Finn and the diocese not be subject to being charged with multiple counts.
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Information from: The Kansas City Star, http://www.kcstar.com