Oh, yes, Smokey, I suppose the "seal of confession" is one exception. It's honored by government in the U.S. and in Ireland, but not in all nations. Such an exception is also granted to medical personnel, psychiatrists, and professional counselors. It wouldn't be quite fair to have a counselor required to reveal what is told to them in confidence in a professional counseling session. Would you speak freely to a psychiatrist if you were aware the psychiatrist was obliged to report your statement to the police?

-Joe-