In this hypothetical case study, the authors lay out strategies for prosecuting religious leaders charged with sexually abusing children.
This publication uses a hypothetical case study to explain how prosecutors might approach cases against religious leaders accused of sexually abusing children. This article details the dynamics of such cases and provides concrete trial strategies to address them. It covers the preparation of the child for court, use of expert witnesses, cross-examination of the defendant and defense witnesses, closing argument, and sentencing recommendations. In the United States and around the world, there have been numerous cases across a range of faith communities in which children have been sexually abused by clergy. To prosecute these cases successfully, prosecutors must understand the unique form of grooming employed by many clergy offenders, the use of religion to get a victim to submit to abuse or to remain silent in its aftermath, and the short- and long-term spiritual impact of maltreatment. A prosecutor must also understand why congregations may not be supportive of a victim and how this can further impair the ability of a child victim to go through a trial.