[Mrs. Don-o]

That's another reason for the corrupt clergy mess. In many places police wouldn't arrest clerics, prosecutors wouldn't prosecute, judges settled things out of court. It was assumed the Church would take care of things intramurally.

Not just the Cath. Church. Churches generally.

And not just churches. Doctors. Lawyers. Other professions. You didn't drag them through the courts. You assumed the professional brotherhood would "take care of it" among themselves.

[Marchmain]

I believe you’re right, and described the situation well.