Canonical Penal Law (J.C.D.)

Program Overview

The Doctor of Canon Law (J.C.D.) in Canonical Penal Law prepares church leaders to handle the gravest matters in ecclesiastical governance with competence, due process, and pastoral seriousness. Penal law is the part of church order that answers wrongdoing, and it is the part most likely to be applied badly: too slowly, too informally, or without regard for the rights of anyone involved. This program exists because the church needs people who can do it properly. Students work through the revised Book VI of the 1983 Code promulgated by Pascite Gregem Dei, the distinction between delicts and mere failures, imputability and the conditions that diminish it, the catalogue of canonical penalties and their remission, prescription, and the preliminary investigation that must precede any penal process. Substantial attention is given to the reserved delicts, to the procedural norms governing them, and to the reporting obligations set out in Vos Estis Lux Mundi. Students also examine the relationship between canonical process and civil authority, and the duty of care owed to those who report harm. Graduates serve as promoters of justice, tribunal personnel, canonical advisers to bishops and religious superiors, safeguarding office leaders, and teachers of penal law. The doctoral research project addresses a real question in penal practice — a procedural gap, a pattern of misapplication, or a diocesan norm in need of reform — so that the degree strengthens the church's ability to act justly rather than merely describing how it might.

Core Courses

• JCD 801 — General Norms and the Structure of Church Law (6 credits)
• JCD 812 — Delicts, Imputability, and Canonical Penalties (6 credits)
• JCD 824 — The Preliminary Investigation and Penal Process (6 credits)
• JCD 836 — Reserved Delicts and Safeguarding Norms (6 credits)
• JCD 848 — Rights of Persons in Penal Proceedings (5 credits)
• JCD 860 — Doctoral Research Design in Canon Law (4 credits)
• JCD 899 — Doctoral Dissertation in Canonical Penal Law (24 credits)

Admission Requirements

• Master's degree or ecclesiastical licentiate in canon law, theology, ministry, or law
• Experience in tribunal, chancery, diocesan, religious institute, or church governance work
• Statement of purpose describing canonical interests and intended service to the church
• Reading ability in Latin, or willingness to develop it during the program
• Current curriculum vitae or ministry profile
• Official transcripts from prior institutions when available
• Writing sample, canonical opinion, or research paper when requested