SPOKANE -- The first of 19 Morning Star Boys' Ranch sexual abuse lawsuits stretched into its fourth week Monday in Spokane.
Since the civil trial began, the courtroom has at times been packed with lawyers for the other cases waiting to see how this first trial plays out.
Some are there just for the legal intrigue, but many other attorneys have been stopping by the courtroom to see how this first case will affect all others.
A ruling several years ago split all 19 cases. So even though each lawsuit is different, evidence and information that is allowed in the current trial will go a long way to determine what will be allowed for plaintiffs in the future.
The current case involves Kenny Putnam, who claims he was abused three times at the Boys' Ranch in the mid-80's. Putnam is represented by Tim Kosnoff. Testimony has covered the entire history of Morning Star Boys' Ranch.
Defense attorneys for Morning Star resumed presenting their case Monday. They are expected to call former camp director, Father Joe Weitensteiner and Putnam to the stand this week.
