Case: Care and Prevention of Eve

SJC-13672 | Massachusetts state supreme court

Filed Date: Sept. 20, 2024

Closed Date: May 15, 2025

Clearinghouse coding in progress

Case Summary

[This summary is temporary, while we research the case.]

In this impounded (that is, sealed) case, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court held the state constitution’s free exercise of religion protection was violated by the Department of Children and Families when they vaccinated a child over the religious objections of her parents while the child was in temporary custody. 

Summary Authors

Claire Pollard (6/15/2025)

Documents in the Clearinghouse

Document

SJC-13672

Slip Opinion

May 15, 2025

May 15, 2025

Order/Opinion

Docket

Docket sheet not available via the Clearinghouse.

Case Details

State / Territory: Massachusetts

Case Type(s):

Speech and Religious Freedom

Key Dates

Filing Date: Sept. 20, 2024

Closing Date: May 15, 2025

Case Ongoing: No

Plaintiffs

Plaintiff Description:

Parents of a child in temporary custody with the Department of Children and Families

Public Interest Lawyer: Unknown

Filed Pro Se: Unknown

Class Action Sought: Unknown

Class Action Outcome: Unknown

Defendants

Unknown, None

Case Details

Available Documents:

Any published opinion

Outcome

Prevailing Party: Plaintiff

Nature of Relief:

Unknown

Source of Relief:

Unknown

Issues

General/Misc.:

Assault/abuse by staff

Government services

Parents (visitation, involvement)

Discrimination Basis:

Religion discrimination

Medical/Mental Health Care:

Medication, administration of