[boatbums]

Then why doesn't the Catholic Church do a better job of defending innocent priests against false claims? It seems like they just gave up and settled rather than go through a long trial where serious dirt could get publicized. That quickness to settle is one of the MAIN reasons why fraudulent claims get filed - it looks like an easy way to get money. Don't just give up so quickly - it only shows weakness and admits guilt.

[markomalley]

Then why doesn't the Catholic Church do a better job of defending innocent priests against false claims?

That's a darned good question and one that I can't conclusively answer. I think it is the pendulum swinging the other way as a result of the scandals that came to light from the late 90s and early 2000s.