Academic Degrees

88.      The licentiate degree (J.C.L.) is not awarded until the completion of the Second Cycle.

89.      To obtain the licentiate, in addition to successful completion of the program of studies, the candidate must present a written essay which gives evidence of the capacity to do research in the field of canon law. It must prove the candidate's familiarity and ease with basic methods and techniques of research, technical mastery of a limited subject matter, and ability to exercise sound canonical judgment and formulate accurate conclusions.

90.      The candidate must also complete a comprehensive examination for one hour in the presence of four professors on the entire ius vigens considered in the light of its doctrinal and historical context.

91.      The doctorate (J.C.D.) is not awarded before the completion of the Third Cycle.

92.      The candidate must submit a written dissertation to the Faculty. The dissertation should constitute a significant contribution to the field of canon law. It should also demonstrate the candidate's familiarity with the contributions of previous investigators, the ability to do independent research,and skill in communicating in a clear and effective manner.

93.      The candidate must defend the dissertation and pass a public examination on at least ten theses either closely connected with questions treated in the dissertation or studied in a special way.