Lay Canon Lawyers

[Friar David, O.Carm]

Originally Posted by Young Thinker

I am not an expert upon this subject, but I doubt that there is such a thing as a canon lawyer in private practice. I would think that one would have to work either directly for the Church or within academia.

Check out the St Joesph Foundation.

[Young Thinker]

Originally Posted by ByzCath

Check out the St Joesph Foundation.

That is an interesting organization.

[dans0622]

Originally Posted by Vincent1984

Anyone know how much lay canon lawyers generally earn in diocese (or private practice)? Can people do both diocesan work and private practice?

Hi Vincent,

I can't make any generalizations regarding pay. As far as I'm concerned, I get paid enough. I work for the Church so certainly it is not as would be the case for a comparable secular job.

Yes, a person can do both diocesan work and "private practice."

Dan

[loquitor]

Just a little update...

I've been looking at different options in terms of universities. The Angelicum is, as another reader noted, the clear choice for Canon Law students. Tuition fees are, as expected, fairly astronomical. I'm assuming that students ordinarily (a) are priests/deacons, or at least in formation, and (b) have considerable (full?) financial support from either a diocese or religious order. Can one even gain admission to such an institution without sponsorship from one of the above?

I have spent some time in Rome, and I know that the part-time work prospects for non-EU passport holders like myself are fairly dismal. So, the issue of financing this would be a challenge.

In addition, can anybody speak to whether a degree in Theology is essential to be admitted to Canon law programs, or whether other degrees (History, etc.) might be acceptable? I know that many students at my university study history as a spingboard into law.

Essentially, I'm not sure what my next move should be. I'm still processing the wonderful information that I've already been given - and thank you again to everyone who relied for being so generous with your knowledge.

[Friar David, O.Carm]

Originally Posted by loquitor

In addition, can anybody speak to whether a degree in Theology is essential to be admitted to Canon law programs, or whether other degrees (History, etc.) might be acceptable? I know that many students at my university study history as a spingboard into law.

See the link in post #10 for all requirements.

A proper theology degree with the right philosophy classes might mean you get to skip cycle I.

[Ocarm]

Originally Posted by ByzCath

See the link in post #10 for all requirements.

A proper theology degree with the right philosophy classes might mean you get to skip cycle I.

Thank you, Brother David. I'm glad someone noted my contribution above.

Originally Posted by loquitor

In addition, can anybody speak to whether a degree in Theology is essential to be admitted to Canon law programs, or whether other degrees (History, etc.) might be acceptable? I know that many students at my university study history as a spingboard into law.

As the document states. the Vatican was concerned that most secular (and some clerical and religious) students had insufficient training in theology to be able to fully understand some elements of canon law. Consequently a three-year qualification in theology (the first cycle) is necessary before you progress to learning about canon law in detail, although the first cycle will include basic classes on the 1983 code. So history is not really an option, no.

Originally Posted by loquitor

Essentially, I'm not sure what my next move should be. I'm still processing the wonderful information that I've already been given - and thank you again to everyone who relied for being so generous with your knowledge.

You're very welcome. Best wishes in your search.

[Vincent1984]

You mahy want to consider the JCL programme at the Catholic University of Louvain. Though in Belgium, the degree can be taught in English. They allow you to study for the necessary Theological prerequisites alongside the Canon Law.