Bona Fama in an Age of "Transparency": Publishing Lists of "Credibly Accused" Clerics

The practice of making the names of clerics "credibly accused" of sexual abuse of minors publicly accessible has become the norm in recent decades. This practice must be considered in light of conciliar teachings as well as civil and canonical doctrine on the right to a good reputation. It...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Michael J. Mazza (Author)
Format: Print Article
Language:English
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Published: School of Canon Law, The Catholic University of America 2022
In: The jurist
Year: 2022, Volume: 78, Issue: 2, Pages: 445-476
Online Access: Volltext
Parallel Edition:Electronic
Description
Summary:The practice of making the names of clerics "credibly accused" of sexual abuse of minors publicly accessible has become the norm in recent decades. This practice must be considered in light of conciliar teachings as well as civil and canonical doctrine on the right to a good reputation. It is essential to weigh carefully many factors when determining what is demanded by the need for transparency, especially such considerations as the right to a good reputation (bona fama), the definition of credibility, the utility of listing names of the deceased, and the necessity of repairing the reputation of those clerics who have been wrongfully accused. Ultimately, the practice of publicly listing the names of clerics who have been accused of abuse must be carefully weighed against the clerics' legal and natural right to a good reputation.
ISSN:0022-6858
Contains:Enthalten in: The jurist