How do you become a Canon Lawyer?

[Guest Aluigi]

What courses of study do you take? Can you become one through a Catholic College? Is this something that can be someone's sole profession or do they just do it along with another job?

*just curious*

[Pio Nono]

JMJ
10/15 - St. Teresa of Avila

Aluigi,

I don't know the entire process, but I know parts of it. A degree in canon law (either a J.C.L. or a J.C.D.) is only attained in graduate school. Also, they are entirely unrecognized outside of the Church - if you want to be a "real" lawyer, don't go into canon law school. You could, perhaps, teach law with a J.C.D., but the J.C.L. is only good in ecclesiastical circuits.

One should typically have an undergraduate degree (or the equivalent) in philosophy before pursuing a degree in canon law; a good amount of graduate-level theology is also recommended (in the more traditional study system). A familiarity with Latin, Greek, and a modern foreign language (French and German are usually the choices) is also required. As for specific univeristies, I don't know of many stateside that offer degrees in canon law; I know that CUA in Washington, D.C. offers one. The Angelicum in Rome also has a great program. Hope this helps.

Yours,
Pio Nono