Canon Law Explained

by Laurence J. Spiteri, Justin Rigali (Introduction)

Fr. Spiteri offers brief, but lucid explanations of the origins and meanings of the fascinating canons that lay out the Church's official principles and procedures governing matters as various as abbots and annulments, scandals and Sacraments, homeschoolers, Councils, impotence, imprimaturs, and, even marriages to the person who murdered your spouse! If you want to know the Church for who She is - and to love Her more - Canon Law Explained is the book for you.

Genres: Catholic, Religion

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 30, 2014

About the author

Msgr. Laurence Spiteri, born in Malta, was ordained for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, California. He holds doctorates in Biblical Studies, Psychology, Canon Law, and a specialization in International Law. He is presently serving as the official in charge of the Legal Office of the Vatican Apostolic Library, Judge on the Court of Appeals for the See of Rome, ad hoc judge at CDF, consultant to various Roman Congregations and Religious Communities, and CEO of The Sanctuary of Culture Foundation. He is a former Associate Director and Judge at the Metropolitan Tribunal of Los Angeles, Judge at the Tribunal of Las Vegas, assistant at the Apostolic Signatura, and instructor in canonical procedures. He is the author of 50 books, some of which deal with canon and civil law, as well as of 93 articles which appear in various professional publications. He has been published in various languages in the United States, England, Ireland, Malta, Mexico, Portugal, Italy, and Vatican City State.

Reviews

[Doug Schreiber · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good simple explanaition of Canon law. THe lay person and even laity without canon law traiing should howeer be autious of ecoming overly confident in their interpretatoin of caon law based on this simple read. It is a great guide to understand what is covered and the basics of the law.

[Ben Eastman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this. It is a succinct summation of the canons that are most relevant to laypeople. The vast majority of the book was devoted to the Sacraments, and the majority of that was centered on Marriage, it's proper form, and how it might be dissolved or annulled. If you're trying to get your head around how a Marriage Tribunal would work, this is a pretty good starting point.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good introduction. Clear, using examples when the laws seem confusing.
My one complaint is that it ends abruptly with no summary or closing note.