History and Purpose

75.       Courses in canon law were offered in the School of Sacred Sciences from its beginning in 1889. The graduate program had sufficiently developed by 1916 so that a series of doctoral dissertations, Canon Law Studies, was initiated. Over 500 doctorates have been granted, and the living alumni number over 1,000. In 1923 the Department of Canon Law became a distinct university school erected as a pontifical faculty by authority of the Holy See. In 1941 the faculty established a quarterly journal, The Jurist. During and after the Second Vatican Council, the program of canonical studies was reoriented in the light of conciliar developments, and the School undertook new studies in Church administration. In 1973 it became again the Department of Canon Law in the School of Religious Studies, with a continuation of its programs and pontifical status. In accord with the Council's Declaration on Christian Education and the apostolic constitution Sapientia christiana, the Statutes were revised in 1980.

76.       The purpose of instruction in this department is to familiarize the student with the entire body of ecclesiastical law, its development and interpretation. The courses are planned to prepare the student for the professional practice of canon law -- in diocesan and religious curias and in ecclesiastical tribunals ‑‑ for the teaching of canon law, and for scientific canonical research. In accord with this purpose the canonical degrees, Licentiate in Canon Law (J.C.L.) and Doctorate in Canon Law (J.C.D.), are awarded.

77.       The primary orientation of courses offered in the department is the new Code of Canon Law promulgated by Pope John Paul II in 1983. Proper understanding and implementation of the provisions of the Code require not only acquired skill in the technicalities of legal interpretation but also a broad grasp of the historical, theological, and sociological factors which have contributed to its evolution. Courses in the department seek also to develop the ability to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the law in order to contribute to its ongoing refinement.