This book is a practical guide for implementing canonical penal law. Many church leaders, including bishops, are unsure of the procedures for the application of penalties. It effectively addresses the gaps in knowledge concerning the recent amendments and changes to procedural norms that were made to Book VI.

Endorsements

"Brendan Daly has once more distilled into one convenient book years of experience and knowledge in canon law. This book courageously deals with complex penal situations and provides clear digestible explanations of law, coupled with practical analysis and insights. It is a most useful and valuable resource to canonists, survivor/victim advocates, canon law students, and all those interested in this topic."

—Elizabeth Ong, judge tribunal of the Catholic Church for New Zealand.

"The demands on, and expectations of, the canonical penal system continue to escalate as exemplified by recent interest in the notion of vulnerable adults and false mysticism. The changes to Book VI in 2021 realigned aspects of substantive norms, but modernization of procedural prescripts has not received the attention needed. Penal Issues in Canon Law is a timely and critical addition to scholarship on relevant issues, including reporting of sexual abuse to civil authorities, the vexed question of victims' rights in penal proceedings, and spiritual abuse as a delict. The book is written with clarity and erudition."

—The Hon. Neville Owen, Western Australia, Pontifical Commission for Minors.

Msgr. Brendan Daly is judicial vicar of the Tribunal of the Catholic Church for New Zealand and lecturer in canon law at Te Kupenga Catholic Theological College. He is a priest of the Diocese of Christchurch and holds a doctorate in canon law from St. Paul University and a PhD from Ottawa University. He has been a judge on the Appeal Tribunal for Australia and New Zealand and has written numerous articles.

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