“Thus, as with all legal proceedings which affect fundamental individual rights, the judicial branch serves a critical role in guarding against unjustified diminution of due process protections for individuals whose right of reputation might be impugned,” according to the court.
Additionally, the court stated, “We acknowledge that this outcome may be unsatisfying to the public and to the victims of the abuse detailed in the report. While we understand and empathize with these perspectives, constitutional rights are of the highest order, and even alleged sexual abusers, or those abetting them, are guaranteed by our Commonwealth’s Constitution the right of due process.”
On the other hand, Chief Justice Thomas Saylor wrote a dissenting opinion. He argued for an evidentiary hearing before a supervising judge to make a determination whether the grand jury’s report on each of the 11 priests is supported by the evidence.
Pennsylvania Attorney General’s reaction
Meanwhile, Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro expressed disappointment with the court’s decision.
