Cardinal George Pell's barrister has accused police of failing to follow guidelines for investigating prominent people, arguing "there was a presumption of guilt".
The highest-ranking Catholic official to be charged with sexual abuse has faced court for the start of a month-long hearing that will determine if he stands trial.
Defence barrister Robert Richter QC said a former judge had prepared a report about how police should investigate prominent people.
"It is a guide to police about how to fairly investigate claims against prominent people," he told Melbourne Magistrates Court on Monday.
"We say that was not followed because there was a presumption of guilt."
Cardinal Pell's legal team had made submissions on that issue to Victoria Police and the Director of Public Prosecutions, the barrister said.
Mr Richter questioned whether police had taken into account the 21 witness statements the defence had provided, which were favourable to the cardinal.
He said those statements should have been properly investigated as part of the inquiry.
"They have not done so," he said.
Mr Richter said only three of those witnesses would be called by the prosecution to give evidence at the committal.
"These documents are certainly relevant to the alleged offences," he said.
"I know it doesn't suit the prosecution because they are exculpatory of the cardinal."
Cardinal Pell has taken leave from his position as Vatican treasurer to fight the historical sexual offence charges involving multiple complainants.
The courtroom was only open to the public for 25 minutes before the case was adjourned until Monday afternoon to hear evidence from the first accuser.
The hearing is expected to remain closed to the public and media for two weeks while the complainants give their evidence, as required by law in sexual offence cases.
The complainants will give evidence from a remote witness facility, accompanied by a support person and, if they wish, a three-year-old labrador support dog called Coop.
Crown prosecutor Mark Gibson SC explained the dog's role is to lie or sit calmly next to a witness as they give evidence.
Cardinal Pell, 76, will also be allowed to have a support person with him during the closed sessions, with Mr Richter saying it was important because of the cardinal's age and health.
About 60 people packed the courtroom for the brief time it was open, the vast majority being journalists from Australia and overseas.
As Cardinal Pell walked into the room one woman told him: "We pray for you Father."
He responded: "Thank you, keep it up."
The former Sydney and Melbourne archbishop and Ballarat priest was heckled as he arrived at the court building by car.
He slowly moved through a bustling media pack, as police cleared a path.
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