Legal Question in Criminal Law in Massachusetts

When someone confides in a priest can a judge force a priest to testify as to what was said between him and the accused?


Asked on 6/28/11, 7:11 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Joseph Murray Joseph M. Murray, Esq.

Massachusetts General Laws chapter 233 reads in part as follows:

Section 20A. A priest, rabbi or ordained or licensed minister of any church or an accredited Christian Science practitioner shall not, without the consent of the person making the confession, be allowed to disclose a confession made to him in his professional character, in the course of discipline enjoined by the rules or practice of the religious body to which he belongs; nor shall a priest, rabbi or ordained or licensed minister of any church or an accredited Christian Science practitioner testify as to any communication made to him by any person in seeking religious or spiritual advice or comfort, or as to his advice given thereon in the course of his professional duties or in his professional character, without the consent of such person.

Good Luck!

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Answered on 6/30/11, 7:35 pm


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