A Supreme Court judge will take some time to consider approving a proposed settlement in the RC Church abuse case.

Justice Garrett Handrigan heard exhaustive and persuasive arguments Friday from almost a dozen lawyers on why he should approve the application.

It would see the provincial government pay out $46 million to almost 300 claimants in the third-party settlement. The Church has already been found “vicariously liable” for the abuse and has exhausted its assets from the sale of land and churches to settle claims, but more was needed to satisfy all of them.

Amounts for each victim vary, depending on the circumstances and time periods of the abuse they suffered at the hands of priests, Christian Brothers, and lay people.

The abuse occurred from the 1940s to 1990s at the former Mount Cashel Orphanage, Presentation House, and schools operated by the province.

Approval of the settlement would all but close the book on reparations for the victims in one of the darkest and disturbing chapters in this province’s history.

Justice Handrigan said he will render his decision soon but did not provide a date.