The deposition was originally scheduled for June, but early last week a judge ordered it to begin “immediately,” saying that rumors Law might be transferred to Rome made him a flight risk. Lawyers who attended the closed sessions say Law, 71, appeared sad and tired. And extremely forgetful. He did not recall ever discussing Geoghan, though his handwriting appears on many documents related to his troubles. He did not recall ever reading Geoghan’s personnel files, which bulged with 10,000 pages of complaints and psychiatric reports. He did not even recall receiving a heartbreaking letter from a woman who said seven of her nephews were victimized. Legal observers say his performance may put Law in a tough spot. “It raises the question, Does he not remember because he didn’t care? Is this a statement about him and his priorities?” says Gloria Allred, the noted civil lawyer. That’s what William Donohue, president of the Catholic League, wonders. “What else could he possibly say now that could salvage himself and his church?” The cardinal was not giving any interviews.
