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Father James E. Murphy was a Catholic priest who served in the Diocese of Fall River, Massachusetts, and later in the Archdiocese of Anchorage, Alaska, among other assignments over the course of his ministry. Allegations of sexual misconduct involving minors during the period of 1965 to 1971 were later documented through official church review processes. Father Murphy appears on the Diocese of Fall River’s list of credibly accused clergy as well as on the Archdiocese of Anchorage’s list of individuals against whom credible evidence of sexual misconduct was found. According to the Diocese of Fall River’s credibly accused list, Father Murphy was laicized in 2006; the Archdiocese of Anchorage’s records reflect a dismissal from the clerical state in 2012. He passed away in 2020.
The allegations against Father Murphy span multiple assignments and locations across his years in ministry. Records from the Bristol County District Attorney’s office identified multiple individuals who alleged misconduct by Father Murphy. His service across more than one diocese raises questions that survivors and their counsel may wish to explore — including what institutional decisions were made regarding his ministry and whether those in supervisory roles responded adequately to any concerns raised. Historical documentation of his assignments, transfers, and the allegations that followed may provide important context for survivors seeking acknowledgment of the harm they have suffered.
With decades of dedicated advocacy, we have held abusers and institutions accountable, helping survivors secure justice and the resources to move forward.
For over two decades, we have focused solely on advocating for survivors, combining legal skill with compassion to guide them toward justice and healing.
We are honored to have guided thousands of survivors through the legal process, offering support, advocacy, and the resources they need to reclaim their lives.
Survivors of sexual abuse by Father James E. Murphy may be able to file a civil lawsuit and seek accountability against the Diocese of Fall River and the Archdiocese of Anchorage for their alleged failure to protect children in their care. Massachusetts law may allow claims against the Diocese for negligent supervision of clergy. Even though Father Murphy is deceased, civil proceedings may enable survivors to document and validate their experiences.
The legal process may uncover institutional records — including personnel files, correspondence, and internal investigations — which may reveal what diocesan leadership knew about prior misconduct, when they knew it, and what steps, if any, were taken in response. Father Murphy’s service across multiple dioceses, and the allegations that followed him across those assignments, may make such documentation particularly significant. Accessing this kind of documentation may be valuable for survivors, as it can provide insight into institutional awareness and the decisions that may have allowed abuse to occur.
Civil claims may result in compensation for long-term psychological trauma, therapy, and emotional distress, but equally important is the public acknowledgment and validation of survivors’ experiences. Pursuing legal remedies may allow survivors to confront historical injustices, contribute to transparency, and reinforce institutional responsibility to prevent future abuse. For many survivors, civil litigation offers an opportunity to reclaim their voice, place their experiences in the public record, and contribute to the kind of accountability that can support healing — both for themselves and the broader community.
Every survivor deserves compassion and acknowledgment. This video explains how civil law empowers individuals harmed by clergy abuse to pursue accountability and closure. Justice extends beyond courtrooms; it allows survivors to reclaim their voice and aids them on their healing journey. Survivors across Massachusetts continue proving that truth carries strength and healing begins with being heard.
Our experienced and compassionate team of attorneys, investigators, paralegals, and support staff have extensive training in working with sexual abuse victims.
These cases are complex; however, our team are experts in these types of cases and will diligently ensure our clients are compensated for full and fair value. We always do our best to help our clients heal by giving them a voice
and helping them seek a measure of justice.
Massachusetts Disclaimer:Herman Law has a multistate practice representing victims of sexual abuse in civil cases. A Herman Law attorney is licensed to practice law in Massachusetts. Each case is different, and results in prior cases do not assure a similar outcome in future cases. If there is no recovery, no fees or expenses will be charged. Attorney Advertising by Jenny Rossman.
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