Clergy Abuse Jury Focusing On Key Documents
By Tony Hanson
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The jury in the clergy sexual abuse case returns for a fourth day of deliberations this morning. A flurry of questions yesterday suggests the jury is focused on the key issues and making progress.
The jury has requested key documents, explanations of various legal terms and it has parsed the language of the legal charge, focusing on the significance of specific words.
That suggests a keen awareness on the jurors' part since there are subtle differences in the proof needed for similar charges involving various defendants and alleged victims, and this jury has sought clarifications.
The prosecution alleges Monsignor William Lynn endangered children by allowing alleged predator priests to remain in ministry to abuse additional victims. Co-defendant Father James Brennan is charged with attempted rape of a teen in 1996. Both Lynn and Brennan have pleaded not guilty.
