Requirements to be a Canon Lawyer

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What classes should someone take if they want to be a Canon Lawyer and what’s a suitable college?
 
I looked briefly at the Catholic University of America website and you will want to take theology and philosophy courses. One can be admitted to the J.C.L. program with an M.A. in Theology or its equivalent. So, in order to be accepted to a M.A. program or its equivalent, you will want to take a sufficient number and type of theology or philosophy courses that will satisfy the admission requirements for a theological based graduate degree.

Alternatively, one could pursue a two-step program through Catholic University that does not require a graduate degree in theology. Provided that you do not have a background in theology, this option requires that you take two years worth of theology courses before you step into the second cycle, which is actual training in canon law. The J.C.L. program itself requires six semesters of course work. All in all, you are looking at a four year undergraduate program, two years worth of theology, and a three year J.C.L. program.

I thought about canon law, too. But then I read the requirements and I thought, “Oh man!” I naively thought, for a moment, that a J.D. more-or-less equals a J.C.L. and I could get away with taking a few extra classes. Um, not! I do plan on picking up an M.A. in Theology with a catechetical certificate. Maybe when I am an old duffer with time and money on hand I can return to school for one more degree and do the J.C.L. program. Right now, I am thinking my wife would strangle me if I do not stop going to school and find gainful employment!

Best wishes in your journey toward being a Canon Lawyer. I will leave you with this word of advice, DO NOT SEEK A J.D. Please, please, please do not make the same mistake I did.
 
tlimon said:
I looked briefly at the Catholic University of America website and you will want to take theology and philosophy courses. One can be admitted to the J.C.L. program with an M.A. in Theology or its equivalent. So, in order to be accepted to a M.A. program or its equivalent, you will want to take a sufficient number and type of theology or philosophy courses that will satisfy the admission requirements for a theological based graduate degree.

Alternatively, one could pursue a two-step program through Catholic University that does not require a graduate degree in theology. Provided that you do not have a background in theology, this option requires that you take two years worth of theology courses before you step into the second cycle, which is actual training in canon law. The J.C.L. program itself requires six semesters of course work. All in all, you are looking at a four year undergraduate program, two years worth of theology, and a three year J.C.L. program.

I thought about canon law, too. But then I read the requirements and I thought, “Oh man!” I naively thought, for a moment, that a J.D. more-or-less equals a J.C.L. and I could get away with taking a few extra classes. Um, not! I do plan on picking up an M.A. in Theology with a catechetical certificate. Maybe when I am an old duffer with time and money on hand I can return to school for one more degree and do the J.C.L. program. Right now, I am thinking my wife would strangle me if I do not stop going to school and find gainful employment!

Best wishes in your journey toward being a Canon Lawyer. I will leave you with this word of advice, DO NOT SEEK A J.D. Please, please, please do not make the same mistake I did.
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What’s J.C.L and J.D.?
 
The J.C.L. is the degree one earns when you complete a canon law program. The J.D. is a Doctor of Law degree or more commonly known as just a “law degree.” In most states, a person must have a law degree in order to sit for the state bar exam. One must pass the bar exam in order to be an attorney. The canon lawyer concerns him/herself with things that are TRUE The run-of-the-mill attorney concerns him/herself with things that are legal and ultimately, but merely, CONSTITUTIONAL. I wish that I dealt with things that are true. No doubt many attorneys lend themselves to God’s service through lawyering. But for myself, I wish that I dealt with laws given by a law giver who is truth Himself. It is really dreadful being in my last year of law school and doubting the extent to which I want to practice law as an occupation.
 
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