CANON LAW STUDIES



American Law: An Introduction

This book explores the law, as it is embedded in social life rather than an isolated body of rules. It also addresses the genesis, development, and the present day reality of law.

Between Christ and Caesar

This textbook is a classic and contemporary study on Church and State. It provides a valuable introduction to the history of church-state relations, and provides the student with immediate access to key primary texts from the early Church. Essay and opinion required.

 
Canonical Procedures & Ethics

Using the Code of Professional Ethics of the Code of Canons and Statutes 2007, and other sources, the student will offer an essay describing tribunal procedures and the professional ethics that govern all parties involved in an adjudication process.

 
Challenge of Our Past

Studies in Orthodox Canon Law and Church History, which can be used to satisfy a Canon Law or History requirement. The Orthodox Canonical Tradition is discussed, along with other topics such as, Orthodox Perspectives on Divorce and Remarriage, The Priesthood in Patristic Teaching, and the Filioque and the Fathers at the Council of Florence.


Church and Federal Issues

The student will examine how the Federal Court receives issues affecting the Church or Religion in their court rooms. This is a critique of the Federal Court and its relationship with the Church and Religion.


Church of the Ancient Councils

This is an account of the disciplinary work achieved at the first four Ecumenical Councils of the Orthodox Church Fathers. This book offers explanations of the canons that were approved at these councils. Essay and opinion required.

 
Code of Canons and Statutes of the SROCC (2007)

This is the official and revised Particular or Administrative Canons of the Syro-Russian Orthodox Catholic Church. The student will study this Code and offer their comments on it in essay form, and will also explain why they agree or disagree with the usage of canons in Churches.

 
Constitutional Law II

This study centers on defining "Constitutional Law" and explaining all that it encompasses. The student will also include in the essay a case study involving a church or religious related issue that was adjudicated and decided upon, and offer comments on the decision.

Constitutional Law Survey I

The student will offer a review of this textbook and explain their understanding of the contents of each chapter, and especially those concerning "Freedom of Religion." They must also offer their personal explanation of this subject and why it is important to the freedom of the people of the United States.

 
Court Observation

This is a practical study that requires the student to actually attend and witness at least five courtroom experiences in a local court-of-law. The student will observe the protocol used in the adjudication process, the demeanor of those on trial and their representatives, and the conduct of them all including the judge. The essay must give an unbiased assessment of the hearings and the decisions, and an explanation of the process from beginning to end.


Critical Analysis of the Rudder (Pedalion)

The student will consider in this essay how the canons of the early Church can benefit the faithful today, and what canons should be considered antiquated and of no importance to the contemporary Church. The student must give personal thoughts on all issues presented in the essay. At least twenty-five canons should be listed and dissected.

 
Ministry and the American Legal System

This book is written for clergy, parish councils, and those who practice within the healing ministries of the Church. It is a book on religious law. Some of the topics included are U.S. Constitution, Risk Management Issues, Accounting for Funds and Trusts, Liability Insurance, and Legal Citations. Essay required on contents of book.


Ministry and Law

This small book satisfies requirements in both Canon Law and Ministry. Written by a nun who is also an attorney holding a Doctor of Jurisprudence, it offers those aspiring to vocations in canon law or ministry insight to law and ministry, malpractice, defamation of character, and other subjects. An essay is required on its contents.

 
Mock Brief and Motion

The student must present two mock briefs and two mock motions, one is to be centered on an ecclesial divorce issue, and the other centered on an issue of heresy spoken by a priest or minister of the Church. These must include all discoveries made in the actions and all canons applicable to the issues for judicial review. The motions will be constructed for two reasons: (1) Change of Venue, i.e., the relocation of a hearing to another jurisdiction for just cause; and (2) Motion to Dismiss Case in lieu of Mediation.


Mock Motion to Appeal & Appeal Brief

The student will prepare sample documents used in tribunal venues for review. A "mock" Motion to Appeal, and an Appellate Brief are to be prepared using fictional characters and a specific cause in both the motion and the opening brief. The Code of Canons and Statutes (2007) should be used. Applicable canons governing appeals should be cited.

 
Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers Vol XIV

This study examines the Seven Ecumenical Councils of the early Church, and the laws that were born from them. It is also a good history on Church Law and contains the "Excursus on the History of the Roman Law and its Relation to the Canon Law." The essay must be detailed and it should cover all chapters.

 
Pastor, Church & Law

This book covers many issues that concern Religion and Law that are faced by canon lawyers, attorney, counselors, religious therapists, and laity serving the Church. Some of the issues addressed are Distinctions Between the Terms Pastor, Clergy, Minister; Income Taxes; Pastor-Church Relationship; Civil Court Review of Clergy/Church Disputes; Building Codes; Church Legal Liability, and many others. The essay must address at least ten crucial issues that are faced by churches and people of religion.

 
Professional Ethics of Canon Law Society

Using the Code of Canons and Statutes, the student will offer a synopsis of the Professional Code of the Canon Law Society. This essay should be considered an "opinion."


Religious Law

This small book contains much information that comprises the Lowell Lectures on Theology delivered at Boston University in 1971. It discusses Religious Dimensions of Law, Influence of Christianity on the Development of Western Law, Law as a Dimension of Religion, and Beyond Law, Beyond Religion. An essay proving comprehension of this book is required along with personal views on what was read.


Religious Liberty in the Supreme Court

This book contains the cases that define the debate over Church and State. Some of the entries include Cantwell v. Connecticut, 1940; Sherbert v. Vitale, 1963; Board of Education v. Mergens, 1990; and Lee v. Weisman, 1992. This book also addresses Religion and the Court, Taking Religious Freedom Seriously, and Freedom of Conscience or Freedom of Choice. The student will select a case and a topic and offer their review on both. An essay and opinion is required.


Right to Privacy 

This is a study of the Bill of Rights, and the United States Constitution, and It pays particular attention to the Right of Privacy. Some of the topics addressed are Privacy v. Law Enforcement, Privacy and Your Self, and Privacy in the Workplace . Essay and opinion required.


Supreme Court and the Church 

The student will select three cases found in this book and offer their views on the court's decisions. It will also review religious cases found in this book and offer their views on each of them as well. In addition, they will offer their comments on Constitution and Bill of Rights and their importance today.

 
The Interaction of Law and Religion

This small book contains much information for those who represent the legal rights of the Church. Some of the subjects covered are Religious Dimensions of Law, Influence of Christianity on Law, and Beyond Law – Beyond Religion. Essay and opinion required.

 
The Rudder (Pedalion)

The Rudder of the Orthodox Catholic Church is a monumental work first published in 1800, it contains all the Sacred and Divine Canons of the Holy Apostles, of the Holy Councils, and of the individual Divine Fathers. The student will select five topics from each chapter and will offer their interpretation on them, and will also give an overall critique and explanation of the book itself.


Winning Courtroom Strategies

This book was written especially for trial lawyers, and whether they be civil attorneys or canon lawyers, both with profit from the strategies that are contained in this book. The book is divided into five phases of a jury trial: Voir Dire, Opening Statement, Presenting Evidence, Cross-Examination, and Final Argument. An essay and a sample of each phase is required.