Definition

Noun: 1. The body of codified laws governing the affairs of a Christian church: A system of laws and legal principles made and enforced by the hierarchical authorities of a Christian church to regulate its organization, governance, and the conduct of its members.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The marriage was annulled according to canon law.
  • Disputes within the medieval diocese were settled by courts applying canon law.
  • A scholar dedicated his life to the study of canon law.

Advanced Usage

• "In canon law": According to the rules or principles of canon law.
  • In canon law, a bishop must be ordained by at least three other bishops.
• "A provision of canon law": A specific rule or statute within the body of canon law.
  • The priest explained the provision of canon law regarding sacramental confession.

Variants and Related Words

• Canonical (adj): Relating to or conforming to canon law.
  • The decision was based on canonical procedures.
• Canonist (n): An expert in or a student of canon law.
  • The council consulted several prominent canonists.
• Ecclesiastical law: A synonym often used interchangeably with canon law, particularly within the Catholic Church.

Synonyms

• Ecclesiastical law: The law of the church.
• Church law: A general term for the legal system of a church.

Notes on Meaning

• Canon law is distinct from civil or secular law, though they have historically influenced each other. It is primarily internal law for the church community.
• Different Christian traditions (e.g., Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Anglican) have their own distinct bodies of canon law.

Noun

1. the body of codified laws governing the affairs of a Christian church