238. The Presumption of Innocence
The presumption of innocence aligns with the spirituality of canon law, as it relieves the burdened conscience of those falsely accused of wrongdoing.
237. The Ninth Principle: The 2021 New Book VI
“Charity demands that the Church’s pastors resort to the penal system whenever it is required, keeping in mind the three aims that make it necessary in the ecclesial community: the restoration of the demands of justice, the correction of the guilty party and the repair of scandals” – Pope Francis
236. The Ninth Principle: The Reform of Penal Law
Canonists emphasise the need to continue imposing automatic penalties, given the peculiarity of the penal canonical law system, which requires that crimes of extreme gravity, of deep wickedness, of widespread scandal be punished immediately.
235. The Ninth Principle: The Necessity of Penal Law
The Church considers penal canonical law as intrinsically connected to its proper nature and history.
234. Place of Origin and Double Domicile in Nigeria?
Even with the place of origin law in Nigeria, one who does not live in one’s place of origin cannot claim to have a domicile or quasi-domicile in that territory in the strict canonical sense.
233. The Eighth Principle: Territoriality and Domicile
Since the purpose of canon law is to help the faithful in their journey of holiness (spirituality of canon law), one who decides to participate in the sacraments in another parish does not commit an offence.
232. The Eighth Principle: Territoriality Principle
The principle of territoriality is foundational in the organisation and governance of the Catholic Church.
231. The Seventh Principle: Protection of Subjective Rights
The protection of subjective rights fits into the spirituality of canon law because when subjective rights are protected it improves respect for human dignity and vocation, increases access to pastoral care and sacramental support, deepens one’s relationship with God, and ultimately, improves the journey of holiness.
230. The Sixth Principle: Safeguarding Rights
Canon law safeguards rights through a three‑fold approach: defining the rights of the faithful, establishing procedural guarantees, and reinforcing the exercise of authority as service.
229. The Sixth Principle: Defining Rights
The sixth principle contributes to the spirituality of canon law by safeguarding the rights of Christ’s faithful, reinforcing the exercise of authority as service in facilitating the journey of holiness, and avoiding abuses that undermine it, ultimately promoting the salvation of souls.