And in the unique legal-political setting of an impeachment proceeding, it protects against partisan overreaching and it assures the public that a gravedecision is being made with due care.
This sense of dysfunction inside the Holy See - combined with considerations of failing health - pushed him to make what he has admitted was a "grave" decision to step down.
Libya had threatened to reveal more about the "grave secret" if France went ahead with its decision to recognise the rebel Transitional National Council as the legitimate representative of the Libyan people.
The Supreme Court battle over the notes of former Deputy White House Counsel Vince Foster ended with a decision that attorney-client privilege extends beyond the grave.
Take for instance a Washington Post story last week on Egypt's decision to bar Jewish worshipers from making their annual visit to the grave of Torah sage Rabbi Yaakov Abuhatzeira.