Legal Definitions - canon law

Canon law is a set of rules that govern the internal hierarchy and administration of the Christian church, especially the Roman Catholic Church. It also covers church ceremonies, the role of clergy, religious education, discipline within the church, and any legal disputes that fall under the church's jurisdiction.

The origins of canon law can be traced back to the Bible, the decisions of church councils, and the rulings of the Pope. Scholars in the Middle Ages began compiling these laws, and they were later officially codified in the Roman Catholic Church's 1983 Code of Canon Law.

For example, canon law dictates that only men can be ordained as priests in the Roman Catholic Church. It also outlines the process for selecting and appointing bishops, as well as the rules for conducting church services and administering sacraments.

Another example is the requirement for Catholics to attend Mass on Sundays and holy days of obligation. Failure to do so is considered a sin and can result in disciplinary action by the church.

These examples illustrate how canon law governs the practices and beliefs of the Roman Catholic Church and provides a framework for its internal governance and administration.