The Nation - News from Nov. 3, 1987

U.S. District Court Judge Harry H. MacLaughlin in Minneapolis dismissed civil lawsuits filed against county officials by former defendants in child sexual abuse cases that were later dropped. MacLaughlin ruled that former Scott County Atty. Kathleen Morris had absolute immunity for damage claims involving her prosecutorial functions, while former Sheriff Douglas Tietz, four sheriff’s deputies and a social worker were protected by qualified immunity. The suits stemmed from the investigation of abuse allegations beginning in September, 1983.