Law Students

Massachusetts Judge Dismisses Lawsuits Against Harvard Over Mishandled Donated Bodies
1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (No Ratings Yet)
Loading...

A recent decision by Suffolk County Superior Court Judge Kenneth Salinger in Boston has stirred controversy as he dismissed 12 lawsuits against Harvard University. These lawsuits were filed by families alleging mishandling of the bodies of their loved ones, which were donated to Harvard’s medical school and subsequently sold on the black market by the former manager of its morgue, Cedric Lodge.

Legal Ruling

Judge Salinger ruled that the lawsuits failed to sufficiently allege that Harvard Medical School (HMS) acted in bad faith or was legally responsible for Lodge’s alleged misconduct. Despite the families’ claims of negligence on Harvard’s part, the judge found Harvard protected by broad immunity from liability as long as it made a good faith effort to comply with the state’s Uniform Anatomical Gift Act governing body donation for research and education.

Want to know if you’re earning what you deserve? Find out with LawCrossing’s salary surveys.

  
What
Where


Dismissal of Claims

The dismissal extended not only to Harvard but also to two employees involved in the anatomical gift program, Mark Cicchetti and Tracey Fay. This decision disappointed the families’ legal representatives, with Kathryn Barnett of Morgan & Morgan expressing intentions to appeal. Barnett emphasized the families’ desire for their grievances to be heard in court, reflecting the emotional toll of the situation.

Criminal Allegations

The lawsuits stemmed from federal charges brought against Lodge and five others for trafficking in human remains stolen from Harvard Medical School and an Arkansas mortuary. Lodge, who managed the morgue from 2018 to 2022, was accused of allowing potential buyers access to cadavers in the morgue for the selection and purchase of body parts. These parts were then resold, with Lodge and his wife allegedly involved in transporting and selling stolen remains from their New Hampshire home.

Whether you’re a recent law school grad or an experienced attorney, BCG Attorney Search has the job for you.

Get JD Journal in Your Mail

Subscribe to our FREE daily news alerts and get the latest updates on the most happening events in the legal, business, and celebrity world. You also get your daily dose of humor and entertainment!!




Future Proceedings

Despite pleading not guilty to charges of conspiracy and interstate transport of stolen goods, Lodge and his co-defendants are scheduled to stand trial in federal court in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, on August 5th. The legal battle surrounding the mishandling of donated bodies underscores the complexities and ethical considerations surrounding medical research and the treatment of human remains.

Don’t be a silent ninja! Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.





 

RELEVANT JOBS

Litigation Associate

USA-CA-Walnut Creek

Role Description This is a full-time remote role for a Litigation Associate. The Litigation Assoc...

Apply now

Staff Counsel - Home Office Claims

USA-MN-Owatonna

As Staff Counsel for Home Office Property and Casualty Claims you will provide legal counsel and rec...

Apply now

Attorney - Assistant Attorney General

USA-IL-Chicago

The Revenue Litigation Bureau is responsible for recovering debts owed to state agencies. Those case...

Apply now

Paralegal

USA-CA-Tulare

MEDEROS, ORMONDE & RASCON, a general practice law firm in Tulare, California is seeking a full-time ...

Apply now

BCG FEATURED JOB

Locations:

Keyword:



Search Now

Education Law Attorney

USA-CA-El Segundo

El Segundo office of a BCG Attorney Search Top Ranked Law Firm seeks an education law attorney with ...

Apply Now

Education Law Attorney

USA-CA-Carlsbad

Carlsbad office of a BCG Attorney Search Top Ranked Law Firm seeks an education law attorney with 4-...

Apply Now

Education Law and Public Entity Attorney

USA-CA-El Segundo

El Segundo office of a BCG Attorney Search Top Ranked Law Firm seeks an education law and public ent...

Apply Now

Most Popular

SEARCH IN ARCHIVE

To Top