Annapolis - The Court of Appeals today abandoned a common law doctrine that prohibited husbands and wives from suing each other, saying the law has - quote - "outlived its usefulness, if ever it had any."
In a unanimous ruling, Chief Judge Robert Bell wrote that the prohibition against lawsuits is old fashioned.
The decision allows William Bozman to pursue a claim filed against his wife two-and-a-half years ago in Baltimore County Circuit Court. He alleged that Nancie Bozman, now Nancie Chiodi, falsely accused him of stalking and harassment while they were seeking a divorce.
Bozman's lawyer says the ruling is a victory for his client, but it also helps victims of domestic violence.
In a unanimous ruling, Chief Judge Robert Bell wrote that the prohibition against lawsuits is old fashioned.
The decision allows William Bozman to pursue a claim filed against his wife two-and-a-half years ago in Baltimore County Circuit Court. He alleged that Nancie Bozman, now Nancie Chiodi, falsely accused him of stalking and harassment while they were seeking a divorce.
Bozman's lawyer says the ruling is a victory for his client, but it also helps victims of domestic violence.
