James Brown Suit Spurs Change

Illinois officials recently amended the state’s rape laws after a high-profile suit against the late James Brown that hinged upon the statute of limitations was rejected last year.

Jacque Hollander, a former publicist for Brown, claimed in her suit that the singer raped her at gunpoint in 1988 and threatened to have her killed if she reported the incident.

Courts later ruled the statute of limitations had run out before Hollander’s suit was filed in 2005.

Current state law establishes a two-year window during which a victim of rape may sue after being attacked.

The new legislation, which takes effect beginning 2008, would reportedly suspend the statute of limitations for rape victims who’ve been intimidated into keeping quiet.