article_snippet.sent: As part of the AA's 12 Step program, members write a list of incidents members feel guilty about and confide in members sponsor about the acts (known as the Fifth Step).
article_snippet.sent: The person is then required to make amends for past wrongdoings, as long as doing so does not cause harm to others.
article_snippet.sent: While there is an expectation of anonymity at meetings, there is no guarantee, and experts recommend exercising caution when detailing crimes, according to The Fix.
article_snippet.sent: AA literature simply states that 'anonymity provides protection for all members from identification as alcoholics'.
article_snippet.sent: The main 'Understanding Anonymity' booklet does not mention safety from disclosure of a crime and there have been multiple cases of AA members being convicted of crimes, including, murder after confessing to their sponsors.
article_snippet.sent: But there has also been some debate over whether the confessions can be used in court.
article_snippet.sent: In 2001, a 1995 murder conviction was thrown out after a 1995 murder conviction was ruled that a killer's confession to fellow AA members was constitutionally protected and shouldn't have been used against a killer's confession to fellow AA members.
article_snippet.sent: The decision was reached after the judge deemed the 12 Step program had religious undertones, meaning that fellow AA members engaged in  religious activity, which is constitutionally protected.