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canon law A body of Roman ecclesiastical law, compiled from the opinions of the ancient Latin fathers, the decrees of general councils, and the decretal epistles and bulls of the Holy See. It was condified in the twelth century by Gratianus, and added to by subsequent collections, and known as the Corpus Juris Canonica. In this country, canon law means the law of the Church of England. Unless subsequently receiving the authorisation of Parliament or merely declaratory of ancient customs, such cannon bind only the clergy and laymen holding ecclesiastical office, e.g. churchwardens. |