Canon lawyers are experts in the law of the Catholic Church.
Canon law is the church law that governs the Roman Catholic Church. Canon lawyers are members of one of the oldest continual legal systems in the world. They must be well-versed in the theology of the church, as well as the legal aspects of canon law. Theological studies give insight into the reasoning behind the law and the study of the legal processes give insight into how the laws operate. Canon law differs from traditional law because the intention of the law can matter just as much, if not more, than the letter of the law when it comes to interpretation. This is unlike traditional law, in which the letter of the law can trump the "spirit" of the law.
Instructions
1. Master a working knowledge of written Latin. A large number of canonical texts are in Latin and are not translated or do not translate well. The ability to read a second language, such as Italian, German or French, in addition to English, is also valuable.
2. Attain an undergraduate degree, preferably in philosophy, classics, liberal studies or theology. These majors will give you some of the underpinnings that will help you in your further studies. Do your due diligence and choose classes that apply to the Catholic Church, Christian history and church philosophy.
3. Get a graduate degree, preferably in theology. The Catholic University of America requires all graduates of their canon law program to have a theological knowledge similar to that of an ordained priest. If you do not have this level of knowledge before studying in a canon law program, you will be required to take a cycle of theology coursework for up to two years before you can begin actual canon law studies.
4. Apply to a school that offers a Canon Law degree program. There are only three in North America: the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., Saint Paul University in Ottawa, Canada, and the Pontifical University of Mexico in Mexico City.
5. Choose a licentiate program, a three-year program that will permit you to practice canon law upon successful completion, or a four-year doctorate program. A doctorate in canon law will allow you to practice canon law, as well as teach it.
6. Take and pass a comprehensive exam, akin to a bar exam, that will allow you to practice canon law. The entire process, from entering canon law school to exam completion, could take from three to six years; depending on whether you need to take the theology coursework cycle and you are pursuing a graduate degree.
Tags: Catholic Church, practice canon, that will, allow practice, allow practice canon, Canon lawyers