Canon Law A (DC9001C)

Postgraduate, 24.0 points

Content

This unit, together with DC9002C Canon Law B, provides an advanced study of the role and function of Canon Law in the life of the Catholic Church. It examines the theological foundations of canon law, with particular emphasis on ecclesiology, and offers a critical overview of the 1917 Code; and the development of the 1983 Code of Canon Law.

The unit engages in a systematic and critical analysis of the structure and content of the 1983 Code, with particular focus on General Norms, the People of God, and the Sacraments of Initiation. Emphasis is placed on the interpretation and application of canonical norms in ecclesial contexts. Students will critically engage with relevant canons and evaluate their implications for theology, pastoral practice, and local Church legislation, developing the capacity to exercise sound canonical judgment in ministry.

Unit code: DC9001C

Unit status: Approved (Major revision)

Points: 24.0

Unit level: Postgraduate Elective

Unit discipline: Canon Law

Proposing College: Catholic Theological College

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Learning outcomes

1.

Critically evaluate the role and function of canon law in the life of the Church, particularly in relation to ecclesiology.
2.

Interpret and apply canonical norms and principles to complex pastoral situations with sound judgment.
3.

Critically analyse the structure and key contents of the 1983 Code of Canon Law, especially in relation to General Norms, the People of God, and the Sacraments of Initiation.
4.

Evaluate and integrate universal and local Church legislation in addressing contemporary ecclesial and pastoral issues.

Unit sequence

Prerequisites: CT8100, CT8110C and CT9201C or equivalents.

Pedagogy

Lectures, seminars, tutorials

Indicative Bibliography

Primary Sources

  • Code of Canon Law: Latin-English Edition. New English Translation. 4th printing. Canon Law Society of America, 2023.
  • Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches: Latin-English Edition. New English Translation. 2nd printing. Canon Law Society of America, 2024.
  • Peters, Edward N., trans. The 1917 Pio-Benedictine Code of Canon Law: In English Translation with Extensive Scholarly Apparatus. Ignatius Press, 2001.

Commentaries and Secondary Sources

  • Beal, John P., James A. Coriden, and Thomas J. Green, eds. New Commentary on the Code of Canon Law. Paulist Press, 2000.
  • Canon Law Society of Great Britain and Ireland. The Canon Law: Letter and Spirit. E. J. Dwyer, 1995.
  • Lucas, Brian, Peter Slack, and William d’Apice. Church Administration Handbook. 3rd ed. St Pauls Publications, 2024.
  • Marzoa, Ángel, Jorge Miras, and Rafael Rodríguez-Ocaña, eds. Exegetical Commentary on the Code of Canon Law. Wilson & Lafleur, 2004.

Periodicals and Reference Works

  • Roman Replies and CLSA Advisory Opinions. Canon Law Society of America, 1981–.
  • Studia Canonica. Saint Paul University.
  • The Canonist. Canon Law Society of Australia and New Zealand.

Assessment

Type Description Word count Weight (%)

Variant 1

Tutorial Paper/Seminar Paper - Seminar Paper 1700 20.0
Multiple Choice Quizzes or Tests - Mid-semester test 1000 15.0
Case Study - Case Study 3000 35.0
Oral Examination - Oral Examination

20-minute oral examination

 1300 30.0

Variant 2

Seminar or Tutorial - Tutorial Presentation 1250 20.0
Seminar or Tutorial - Tutorial Presentation 1250 20.0
Essay - Essay 3500 40.0
Written Examination 1000 20.0
Approvals

Unit approved for the University of Divinity by Prof Albert Haddad on 25 Jun, 2026

Unit record last updated: 2026-06-25 09:15:59 +1000