Unjust Accusation

To denounce an evil-doer is to declare his fault openly in the hope that he may mend his ways. To accuse a man is to declare his fault for the purpose of seeing him punished. Yet even punishment looks to amendment-if not always for the one subjected to it, at least for the commonwealth. Punishment in this world is always medicinal. If a man knows of a crime against the common good, already committed or being plotted,he is obliged to make due accusation, provided he can back it with proof.

Accusation, to be truly lawful, must be set down in writing. Merely oral utterances are likely to be carelessly made,inaccurately understood, and readily forgotten.

Rash accusation is sinful, for it involves calumny,collusion, or evasion. Calumny is a false charge. Collusion is fraud or trickery on the part of accusers, when these are two or more. Evasion is the making of a charge and then trying to shift out of the inconvenience that follows for the accuser. The common good is hurt by calumny, collusion, and evasion. Hence rash accusation is always unjust.

An accuser who fails to prove his charge has unjustlyput a man in danger of penalty. Such an accuser should be himself penalized.