Msg Base:  AREA 5  - ASK FATHER            CIN ECHO   AMDG
  Msg No: 129.  Tue  9-03-91 14:15  (RECV'D)
    From: Father Mateo
      To: Mike O'donnell
 Subject: Canon Lawyers

³ Hello, Father.  Your answer to Desiree about whether she should take canon
³ law brings to mind a question that I have had ever since I heard that the
³ re were canon lawyers?
³
³ First, I have a general knowledge (not firsthand) of the training
³ necessary to become a civvil lawyer.  Is the training to be a canon lawy
³ er similar, i.e. does one need to pass a "bar exam" in addition to getting
³ a law degree.  (I assume that there is a "Doctor of Canon Law" degree that
³ is the equivalent of a J.D.)
³
³ Secondly, is it possible to be both a civil a lawyer and a canon
³ lawyer by, say, going to a Catholic university and working out a double
³ major?  I would think that there is a demand for someone with these dual
³ skills.
³ These are just curiosity questions.  Thank you for your work on
³ this board.
 
Dear Mike,
 
The degrees of licentiate (2 years) and doctor (3 years) in canon law
are granted by Catholic University in Washington and St. Paul
University in Ottawa on this continent.
 
After two years there is a written/oral comprehensive.  The doctorate
also requires a dissertation.  The J.C.L. is sufficient for seminary
teaching or work in a diocesan tribunal.  The J.C.D. is required for
teaching in schools which themselves can grant canon law degrees.
 
One can be both civil and canon lawyer--it would take at least five
years, maybe more.  The demand for such a qualified person is small.
Before attempting such an ambitious program, get a bishop or a
seminary to guarantee employment after you finish.
 
There is no "bar exam."
 
                                     Sincerely in Christ,
                                     Father Mateo