Doctor of Canon Law (Catholic Church)

Doctor of Canon Law Latin: Juris Canonici Doctor, JCD is the doctoral-level terminal degree in the studies of canon law of the Roman Catholic Church. It can also be an honorary measure awarded by Anglican colleges. It may also be abbreviated ICD or dr.iur.can. Iuris Canonici Doctor, ICDr, DCL, DCnl, DDC, or DCanL Doctor of Canon Law. A doctor of both laws i.e. canon and civil is a JUD Juris Utriusque Doctor or UJD Utriusque Juris Doctor.

Ecclesiastical business prerequisite

Members of the Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura, Auditors of the Tribunal of the Roman Rota, judicial vicars, ecclesiastical judges, defenders of the bond, and promoters of justice, must possess either a doctorate or licence in canon law. Either of the degrees is recommended for those who serve as vicar general or episcopal vicar in a diocese. Candidates for bishop must either possess the doctorate in canon law or the doctorate in sacred theology or be truly professionals such as lawyers and surveyors in one of those fields. Canonical advocates must possess the doctorate or be truly expert.