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CanonLaw.info

Dr. Edward Peters

To work for the proper implementation of canon law is to play an extraordinarily

constructive role in continuing the redemptive mission of Christ. Pope John Paul II

12 apr 2023

Research links

Related

Curriculum vitae Edward Peters,

here.

John Paul II on

canon law, here.

Canonical questions and consultations

Initial

contact

The best way to contact me in regard to any kind of canonical inquiry is by email through this website. Phone calls are the least effective way to reach me!

Even by email, however, do not send long or detailed initial inquiries as I cannot take time to read them. A simple description of the question or issue suffices for an initial contact. If I need additional information I will ask for it.

Quick

Questions

I try to acknowledge promptly all inquires emailed to me, even if only to decline answering. If you do not receive a reply from me, I probably did not receive your message.

If an emailed inquiry can be satisfied by a brief note on a basic point of canon law I will reply (gratis, of course) usually within a very short time. Such responses are offered as a public service and I do not regard persons receiving brief notes as clients (although I do respect their confidentiality). I make no claim of completeness in these quick answers to quick questions nor do I promise to give replies to possible follow-up questions. If my answer to a simple question includes a suggestion to "consult the standard authors", I have in mind the major commentaries on the 1983 and/or 1917 Codes of Canon Law on the point(s) at issue.

Note that many persons submit what they think are "quick questions" which, however, do not actually lend themselves to a quick answer.

Under no circumstances do I accept questions from or send answers to individuals through third-parties.

Consultations

I am, from time to time, available for more formal canonical services (consultations). In addition, I do manuscript evaluation for publishers, extern reading of masters and doctoral works, and other specialized forms of academic research.

If, after mutual discussion, I agree to serve in a consultative capacity my professional engagement will always be confirmed in writing and will include a fee arrangement agreed upon in advance. I am well aware that many canonical issues involve little or no material benefit to clients. That does not mean that my time on them is not valuable or that other expenses will not be incurred along the way. I am not in a position to donate professional services (beyond a list of pro bono undertakings that is chronically full) or to subsidize client expenses in cases.

I am not currently accepting new requests for advocacy services.

Other

There are many credentialed canonists here and abroad with different kinds of expertise and degrees of availability. The German Jesuit canonist Ulrich Rhode maintains lists of various canonical service organizations and of individual canonists around the world who might be qualified and available to assist persons or organizations. Americans seeking canonical information should also be aware of:

• Michael J. Mazza, JD, JCD, Canonical Advocacy, information here.

• The Canon Law Society of America.

Note that most marriage nullity cases do not require the services of an outside canonist. Parties desirous of such assistance have, however, the right to it, and should direct their requests to the tribunal in question or perhaps to one of institutions or persons listed above.

Materials on this website represent the opinions of Dr. Edward Peters and are offered in accord with Canon 212 § 3.

This website undergoes continual refinement and development. No warranty of completeness or correctness is made.

Dr. Peters' views are not necessarily shared by others in the field nor are they intended as canonical or civil advice.