Leah Remini revealed that recently leaked documents from Scientology outline strict policies directing how lawyers, including those who are not members of the church, must conduct legal battles. These policies originate from the church's founder, L. Ron Hubbard, and dictate that attorneys should not seek to resolve disputes but rather focus on discrediting opponents and suppressing any scrutiny against Scientology.

The documents indicate that these directives are enforced by the Office of Special Affairs (OSA), which is responsible for protecting the church's interests through various means, including legal warfare. The IRS and other government bodies have reportedly taken no action against these practices despite their implications.

Scientology’s legal strategies are described as unchangeable religious doctrines that prioritize retaliation over justice. The leaked materials detail how lawsuits are treated as battles rather than civil proceedings, with specific instructions for lawyers to engage in tactics designed to intimidate and exhaust opponents.

Terms like "Suppressive Persons" (SPs) label individuals who challenge or expose the church’s actions, allowing for sanctioned retaliatory measures against them. This includes harassment through legal means and public discrediting campaigns.

Remini emphasized that these tactics have been consistent since Hubbard's time and continue to be applied today in various high-profile cases involving former members or critics of Scientology. The leaked documents also highlight a system within OSA where litigation is tracked like a performance metric, with staff evaluated based on their success in neutralizing threats to the church.

Furthermore, it was noted that attempts at arbitration often lead victims into biased processes designed to protect Scientology rather than provide fair resolutions. The overarching theme is one of manipulation where legal systems are used as tools for religious warfare instead of avenues for justice.

Original article (irs)

This article does not provide any immediate actionable information for the reader. It does not offer steps or instructions on how to navigate or deal with Scientology's legal tactics. There are no tools or resources mentioned that readers can utilize to protect themselves or gain further insight.

Educationally, the article provides some depth by explaining the historical context and origins of these legal strategies, attributing them to the church's founder, L. Ron Hubbard. It also sheds light on the inner workings of the Office of Special Affairs (OSA) and their role in enforcing these policies. However, it does not delve into the broader implications or potential long-term effects of these practices on society or individuals.

In terms of personal relevance, the topic is of interest to those who are involved with or have connections to Scientology, whether as members, former members, or critics. It may also be relevant to those who are generally interested in religious practices and their legal implications. For the average reader, however, the direct impact on their daily lives is limited, as it does not address broader legal or religious issues that could affect a wider audience.

The article does not serve an immediate public service function. While it brings attention to the church's legal practices, it does not provide any official warnings, safety guidelines, or emergency contacts that readers can utilize. It also does not offer any tools or resources that could help individuals navigate or challenge these practices.

The advice or guidance provided in the article is not practical for the average reader. The article primarily focuses on describing the church's legal strategies and their potential impact on opponents, but it does not offer any clear strategies or steps that individuals can take to protect themselves or seek justice.

In terms of long-term impact, the article does not provide any lasting value or actionable steps that readers can take to create positive change. It primarily serves to inform and raise awareness about Scientology's legal practices, but it does not offer any solutions or strategies for addressing these issues in the long term.

Psychologically, the article may have a negative impact on readers, particularly those who are involved with or have personal connections to Scientology. It describes aggressive and intimidating legal tactics, which could induce fear or anxiety in those who feel targeted by the church. However, it does not offer any coping mechanisms or strategies for dealing with these potential threats.

The article does not appear to be clickbait or driven by advertising. It presents the information in a straightforward manner, without using sensational or exaggerated language to grab attention.

A missed opportunity in this article is the lack of practical guidance or resources for individuals who may be affected by Scientology's legal practices. While it provides an overview of the church's strategies, it does not offer any clear steps or strategies for individuals to protect themselves or seek justice. A potential addition could be a list of trusted legal resources or organizations that readers can contact for support or guidance. Additionally, including real-life examples or case studies of individuals who have successfully navigated these legal battles could provide valuable insights and practical lessons for readers.

"These policies originate from the church's founder, L. Ron Hubbard, and dictate that attorneys should not seek to resolve disputes but rather focus on discrediting opponents and suppressing any scrutiny against Scientology."

This sentence uses the founder's name, L. Ron Hubbard, to give authority to the policies. It creates a sense of tradition and legitimacy, implying that these practices have a long history and are deeply rooted in the church's beliefs. The use of the word "dictate" also adds a strong tone, suggesting that these policies are non-negotiable and must be followed without question.

"Scientology’s legal strategies are described as unchangeable religious doctrines that prioritize retaliation over justice."

Here, the word "unchangeable" is a strong claim, suggesting that these legal strategies are set in stone and cannot be altered. It implies a lack of flexibility and a rigid adherence to certain principles. The phrase "prioritize retaliation over justice" is a clear bias, as it presents Scientology's approach as focused on revenge rather than fairness.

"Terms like 'Suppressive Persons' (SPs) label individuals who challenge or expose the church’s actions, allowing for sanctioned retaliatory measures against them."

The term "Suppressive Persons" is a clear example of labeling bias. By using this label, Scientology categorizes and stigmatizes those who speak out against them. This language creates a divide, portraying critics as enemies and justifying the church's retaliatory actions. It also implies that those labeled as "SPs" are somehow dangerous or threatening.

"The leaked documents also highlight a system within OSA where litigation is tracked like a performance metric, with staff evaluated based on their success in neutralizing threats to the church."

This sentence reveals a bias towards efficiency and performance. It suggests that the church's legal battles are treated as a metric for success, with staff being judged based on their ability to "neutralize threats." This focus on performance can lead to aggressive and potentially unethical tactics, as the goal becomes winning at all costs.

"Furthermore, it was noted that attempts at arbitration often lead victims into biased processes designed to protect Scientology rather than provide fair resolutions."

The use of the word "victims" here is a strong emotional appeal. It portrays those seeking arbitration as helpless and at the mercy of a biased system. This language evokes sympathy and implies that Scientology is manipulating the legal process to its advantage, rather than allowing for a fair resolution.

The text evokes a range of emotions, primarily centered around anger, frustration, and a sense of injustice. These emotions are expressed through the use of strong language and descriptive phrases that highlight the perceived unfairness and manipulative nature of Scientology's legal practices.

The anger is evident in the description of Scientology's legal strategies as "unchangeable religious doctrines" that prioritize retaliation over justice. This language implies a rigid and oppressive system, which angers the reader as it suggests an abuse of power and a disregard for the principles of fairness and equality. The anger is further intensified by the revelation that these tactics are designed to "intimidate and exhaust" opponents, creating a sense of victimization and a desire for justice.

Frustration arises from the apparent impunity with which Scientology operates. The text mentions that government bodies, including the IRS, have taken no action against these practices, despite their implications. This inaction frustrates the reader as it suggests a lack of accountability and a failure of the system to protect individuals from such manipulative tactics.

The emotion of injustice is pervasive throughout the text. The labeling of individuals who challenge Scientology as "Suppressive Persons" and the subsequent sanctioned harassment and discrediting campaigns against them, evoke a strong sense of injustice. This emotion is heightened by the revelation that these practices are not new but have been consistent since the church's founder, L. Ron Hubbard, and continue to be applied today.

These emotions guide the reader's reaction by creating a sense of outrage and a desire for change. The anger and frustration inspire a call to action, encouraging readers to question and challenge the practices of Scientology and the systems that allow such tactics to persist. The emotion of injustice, in particular, serves to galvanize readers, making them more likely to support efforts to hold Scientology accountable and to reform the legal processes that enable such manipulation.

The writer employs several persuasive techniques to evoke these emotions. One notable technique is the use of strong, emotive language, such as "intimidate," "exhaust," and "harassment." These words paint a vivid picture of the tactics employed by Scientology, evoking a strong emotional response. The repetition of the word "suppress" and its derivatives, such as "Suppressive Persons," also serves to emphasize the oppressive nature of the church's practices.

Additionally, the writer employs a personal story, that of Leah Remini, to add a human element to the narrative. By revealing that these tactics are applied in high-profile cases involving former members or critics, the writer personalizes the issue, making it more relatable and emotionally impactful. This strategy builds trust with the reader, as it suggests that the information is based on firsthand experience and a genuine desire for justice.

In summary, the text skillfully employs emotion to persuade readers of the urgency and severity of the issue. By evoking anger, frustration, and a sense of injustice, the writer inspires a call to action and a desire for reform, effectively steering the reader's attention and shaping their opinion on the matter.