The degree of sinfulness depends on the harm done, based on three things: The criminality of the thing alleged The reputation of the detractor's trustworthiness The dignity or esteem of the victim A relatively small defect alleged against a person of eminent station (a bishop is given as example) might be a mortal sin. While an offence of considerable magnitude (drunkenness is given as example), attributed to a member of a social class in which such things frequently happen (a sailor is given as example), might constitute only a venial sin.
The degree of sinfulness depends on the harm done, based on three things: The criminality of the thing alleged The reputation of the detractor's trustworthiness The dignity or esteem of the victim A relatively small defect alleged against a person of eminent station (a bishop is given as example) might be a mortal sin. While an offence of considerable magnitude (drunkenness is given as example), attributed to a member of a social class in which such things frequently happen (a sailor is given as example), might constitute only a venial sin.