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Civil law has generally recognised the confessional seal. For example, priests can’t be compelled to testify on anything they hear in the confessional.

Another example is attorney - client privilege.

Attorneys and priests are expected to do important duties for the good of society and thus have certain privileges.

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Just out of curiosity as I’m not familiar with the laws here; If a random person on the street confesses a crime (child sexual abuse or otherwise) to me am I required to report it or do I simply have the right to report it if I so choose?

No, because you aren’t a mandated reporter, although in PA the laws are so broad that a volunteer who sweeps the Sunday school classrooms ends up being a mandated reporter.

It would be unconstitutional to require all citizens to “report” crimes they hear other people confess to them, for rather obvious reasons, although I’m sure some state government will try that next.

What I can say is that police must not ignore a crime they learn about (in most countries). The same may not hold for ordinary citizens.

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