Norms of the Polish Bishops' Conference for Proceedings Concerning Allegations of Sexual Offense

The paper describes particular norms of the Polish Conference of Bishops dealing with the investigation of accusations of sexual delicts committed by Catholic clergy. Firstly, it informs about the history of such legislative norms from 2009 and the reasons for their amendment. Subsequently, the author offers an analysis of the new instructions from 2012: its goals, its legal sources in the material and procedural area, the means for verifications of accusations, the instruments for necessary help for victims of delicts, and the relationship between the canonical and secular penal procedure. Finally, he indicates requests for the formation of clergy, as they result from the experiences of dealing with such crimes and accusations, and for their prevention as well.

Keywords: Catholic Church; Canon law; Penal law; Crimes; Priesthood; Sexuality