The charter presents the concept of zero-tolerance and therefore immediate removal of any priest accused of sexual misconduct, but does not ensure due process for the priests accused of sexual misconduct with minors. Immediate removal of priests would suggest that the priest is guilty and jeopardize his status with the public as being innocent until proven guilty (McKenna). With this fact in consideration, it would be virtually impossible to collect a jury who would not already be biased towards a guilty verdict. Other aspects were not taken into consideration such as what constitutes abuse and standards for credible allegations (Steinfels). Without formally declaring what constitutes sexual abuse within the charter, the priests do not have a chance to defend themselves against the accusation. Also, without declaring a standard for credibility towards the accuser, there is nothing to stop people from making bogus accusations just to attain their fifteen minutes of fame. All of these factors weigh a priest's inalienable right to a fair trial. Although the Vatican did not deny the charter completely, they made it clear that there is much work to be doe before the proposed solution will be an acceptable one. .
The Dallas Charter's principle of zero-tolerance is set in place to protect parishioners from priests convicted of sexual misconduct. Because of the hard work and extreme dedication needed in order to become a priest, it takes a very special type of person to be able to lead that life well. Generally, eight years of education is necessary, including a college degree and training at a seminary (Roman). When priesthood studies are started after the training, Catholic priests commit their lives to the people of the church. They lead a life of upholding the teachings of the Bible take sacred vows of celibacy and obedience (Roman). The vows taken are the principles that a priest is to live by, and the sexual misconduct breaks both oaths that all priests must live by.