The Presumption of Innocence in Canonical Trials of Clerics Accused of Child Sexual Abuse
An Historical Analysis of the Current Law
By (author) W. Richardson
Paperback (Published)
(March 2011)
ISBN: 9789042925489
Price: $57.00
On back order
Canon 1342 of the Code of Canon Law of the Roman Catholic Church presumes that a judicial procedure is the normal way to impose a legal penalty. Only when there are just reasons against its use are extra-judicial means to be employed. Perpetual penalties such as dismissal from the clerical state cannot be imposed except by means of judicial procedure. This was the author’s presumption until he was faced with a direct question from a priest accused of the crime of child sexual abuse. Do I have a right to a trial, if I am accused? Am I not presumed innocent until proven guilty? This book is an attempt to answer the question. Given the rise of clerical child sexual abuse scandals in Belgium, Ireland, the Netherlands, North America and Germany, this book addresses a question of prime importance to the Church and civil society.
Canon 1342 of the Code of Canon Law of the Roman Catholic Church presumes that a judicial procedure is the normal way to impose a legal penalty. Only when there are just reasons against its use are extra-judicial means to be employed. Perpetual penalties such as dismissal from the clerical state cannot be imposed except by means of judicial procedure. This was the author’s presumption until he was faced with a direct question from a priest accused of the crime of child sexual abuse. Do I have a right to a trial, if I am accused? Am I not presumed innocent until proven guilty? This book is an attempt to answer the question. Given the rise of clerical child sexual abuse scandals in Belgium, Ireland, the Netherlands, North America and Germany, this book addresses a question of prime importance to the Church and civil society.
- By (author) W. Richardson
Other Titles in this Series
Fathers and Brothers
The Legitimate Expectation of Diocesan Clerics in the Light of Canon 384 of the Code of Canon Law
Volume 7
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