M.E.H. v. L.H.

The issue in this case is whether a tort action for child sexual abuse is barred by a statute of repose that was not in effect when the abuse occurred and was repealed before the action was filed. The circuit court of Ogle County determined that the statute of repose did bar the plaintiffs’ action and granted the defendants’ motion to dismiss under section 2 — 619(a)(5) of the Code of Civil Procedure (735 ILCS 5/2 — 619(a)(5) (West 1994)). The appellate court affirmed. 283 Ill. App. 3d 241. We allowed the plaintiffs’ petition for leave to appeal (155 Ill. 2d R. 315) and now affirm.

The basic…