What happened to the clergy when they did a crime?

When clergy committed crimes, they often faced a range of consequences depending on the nature of the offense and the legal and ecclesiastical systems in place. In many historical contexts, clergy could be tried in ecclesiastical courts, which often imposed lighter penalties than secular courts, including penance or removal from their position. However, in more serious cases, especially those involving moral or criminal transgressions, they could be prosecuted in civil courts and face imprisonment or other legal repercussions. Over time, public outrage and calls for accountability have led to increased scrutiny and legal action against clergy involved in criminal activities, particularly in cases of abuse.