Information and commentary on Essential Norms for Diocesan/Eparchial Policies Dealing with Allegations of Sexual Abuse of Minors by Priests or Deacons and the canonical process for imposing penalties.

The information and comments presented here are not intended to be an exhaustive commentary on the penal trial process. They are merely a highlight of some points that are good to keep in mind. The respective codes of canons – Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches (CCEO) and Code of Canon Law (CIC) – are the primary sources. Secondarily, full commentary is provided in such volumes as the Canon Law Society of America’s The Code of Canon Law: A Text and Commentary.

CONTENTS

Some information for accused deacons and priests and their advocates

Some information for bishops, chancellors and promoters of justice

Some information about the action to be taken

Some information about the trial process

An outline of the trial process

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