The Wire

Cardinal George Pell’s appeal against his child sex convictions was today rejected by Victoria’s Court of Appeal. Survivors of institutional sexual abuse say the result is a surprise and gives them faith in the legal system and hope that one person’s testimony can stand up against powerful forces like the Catholic Church.  Lawyers warn that the verdict relates only to this case and won’t necessarily act as a precedent to be used in other cases. Pell’s lawyers are considering an appeal for the case to be reviewed by the High Court.