Decoding the 1917 Code of Canon Law: Key Insights

1917 code of canon law

Decoding the 1917 Code of Canon Law: Key Insights

This body of regulations, promulgated in that year, constituted a comprehensive revision and codification of the laws governing the Latin Church. It systematically organized centuries of accumulated legal norms, decrees, and customs into a single, authoritative text. For example, it outlined procedures for sacraments, defined ecclesiastical offices, and addressed matters of Church governance.

The significance of this legal framework lies in its provision of clarity and uniformity in the application of Church law. Its implementation facilitated consistent adjudication of disputes, standardized liturgical practices, and offered a clear guide for the conduct of clergy and laity alike. Moreover, its creation represents a pivotal moment in the institutional development of the Church, marking a shift towards a more centralized and codified legal system, replacing the previously disparate collection of canonical sources.

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