Canon law 2200-1I006

1. The historical development of canon law. The Code of canon law. A canonical constitution for the Church.
2. The origins, method and instruments of canon law. Interpretation of canon law.
3. Laity: the Christian faithful. Associations of the laity.
4. Formation of priests. Obligations and rights of priests.
5. Obligations and rights of bishops. The principal territorial organization
of the Church: dioceses and parishes.
6. Consecrated life. Religious institutes and secular institutes. Societies of apostolic life.
7. Hierarchical structures in the Church: the Pope and the Roman curia. The governing function of the Church. Offices and power of governance.
8. The principle of collegiality in canon law: cardinals, college of bishops. Council and synods of bishops. Conferences of bishops.
9. The teaching function of the Church: preaching, missionary action, religious education.
10. Legal aspects of liturgy. Procedures concerning the sacraments.
11. The organization of canon process. Sanctions in the Church. Recent modification of the procedure.
12. The organization of canonization process. Recent modification of the procedure.
13. Canon law within an interdisciplinary perspective. Interrelations with international law, environmental law and human rights law.
14. The debate about the nature of canon law. Freedom, good order and ministry in the Church.

Type of course

optional courses

Mode

Classroom

Prerequisites (description)

The objective of the lecture is to perform an analysis of canon law which is understood as a specific type of the contemporary legal system. The focus would be upon the specific original features of canon law as opposed to different legal systems of international/transnational character. A detailed analysis of canon law institutions would be performed in order to examine the relevant provisions of the Code of canon law. The examination of legal provisions would be supplemented with the presentation of current doctrines and theories of canon law.

Course coordinators

Dobrochna Bach-Golecka

Learning outcomes

After attending the lecture students should be able to recognize the fundamental norms, principles and institutions of canon law. Their knowledge may prove conducive to pursuing further legal curricula. They should improve their comparative analysis skills.

Assessment criteria

Evalutaion would be based upon participation (80%) in the seminar and active invovement in the class (20%).

Practical placement

Not provided.

Bibliography

1. Beal J. P., J. A. Coriden, T. J. Green (red.), New Commentary on the Code of Canon Law, Paulist Press 2002.
2. Coriden J. A., An Introduction to Canon Law, London: Burnes & Oates 1991.
3. Coriden J. A., Canon Law as Ministry: Freedom and Good Order for the Church, Paulist Press 2000.
4. Coriden J. A., T. J. Green, D. E. Heintschel (red.), The Code of Canon Law: Text and Commentary, Paulist Press International 1990.
5. Spiteri L. J., Canon Law Explained. A Handbook for Laymen, Manchester, New Hampshire: Sophia Institute Press 2013.

Additional information

Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system:

Description of 2200-1I006 in USOSweb