United States v. Shelton

Chief Judge GIERKE

delivered the opinion of the Court.

In the military justice system, the clergy privilege is “[o]ne of the most sacred privileges.”1 This privilege “ ‘recognizes the human need to disclose to a spiritual counsel- or, in total and absolute confidence, what are believed to be flawed acts or thoughts and to receive priestly consolation and guidance in return.’ ”2 Military Rule of Evidence (M.R.E.) 503 allows a person to prevent disclosure of a qualified confidential communication to a member of the clergy. Specifically, the clergy privilege allows an accused “to prevent another…