The Judicial Power of Church and the Participation of Laity in it

This article analyses the contemporary canonical-legal situation of the laity in the relation to the execution of church power of governance, especially judicial power. It points out the multivalent interpretation of the possibility of participation of lays on the judicial power of the Church that comes out from norms comprised in c. 129 § 2 C.I.C. and c. 1421 § 2 C.I.C., ie whether the lays can be the bearers of this power and on which base or whether they only participate in their execution. Article describes the concrete possibilities of involvement of the lays into the work of Church tribunals as judges, defenders of the bond, promoters of justice, notaries, advocates, procurators, experts etc. There is a need to clarify the legislation for the better formal precision of law in this sphere.

Keywords: Power of governance; Judicial power; Christian lays; Canon law; Process law