ANALYSIS Not since Lindy Chamberlain lost her baby to a dingo at Uluru 40 years ago has a criminal case polarised the community as Cardinal George Pell’s arrest, conviction and acquittal.
This was not one man’s word against another. In a criminal trial the allegation must be proved and without compelling corroboration it is simply impossible.
In the court of public opinion Pell would get life, which is why judges are appointed and not elected – to do their job without being swayed by external noise.Pell presided over a church that failed dismally to protect the vulnerable, covered up crimes and shifted paedophile priests to areas where they could continue to offend. Internationally the Catholic Church destroyed the lives of thousands of its own followers. If there is a God, then they will be called to account.
The standard has always been, is a conviction more likely than not? The standard has never been that the victim has a right to their day in court, or let’s give it a run and see how it goes.
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