Papal Jurisprudence, 385–1234: Social Origins and Medieval Reception of Canon Law

Bishops sought advice from the papacy in late Antiquity due to the increased demand for papal jurisprudence. The reception of these decretals reveals the legal and religious culture of the mid-thirteenth century, with Charlemagne and Pseudo-Isidore playing a significant role. The book also analyzes decretals from both ages, exploring the relationship between canon law and other religious genres.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 332 pages
Publication date: 23 May 2024
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

In the late Antiquity, bishops sought guidance from the papacy, marking a significant shift in their legal and religious practices. This interpretative volume delves into the origins of the first decretal age, contextualizing the surge in demand for papal jurisprudence within its social framework. D. L. d'Avray explores the reception of this jurisprudence throughout the mid-thirteenth century, highlighting the influence of Charlemagne and Pseudo-Isidore, who included both genuine early decretals and forged ones. By examining similarities between the Latin world in the fourth and twelfth centuries, the book sheds light on parallels between the two decretal ages. Chapters on pagan marriages, clerics in minor orders, and episcopal elections further analyze decretals from both periods, revealing intricate connections between canon law and other religious genres. This comprehensive study offers valuable insights into the legal and religious culture of the mid-thirteenth century, shedding light on the complex interplay between religious authority and societal developments.

In the late Antiquity, a significant shift occurred as bishops turned to the papacy for advice, marking a departure from their traditional legal and religious practices.

This interpretative volume aims to explain the origins of the first decretal age, placing the increased demand for papal jurisprudence within its social context. D. L. d'Avray delves into the reception of this jurisprudence throughout the mid-thirteenth century, highlighting the influence of Charlemagne and Pseudo-Isidore, who included both genuine early decretals and forged ones.

By examining similarities between the Latin world in the fourth and twelfth centuries, the book sheds light on parallels between the two decretal ages. Chapters on pagan marriages, clerics in minor orders, and episcopal elections further analyze decretals from both periods, revealing intricate connections between canon law and other religious genres.

This comprehensive study offers valuable insights into the legal and religious culture of the mid-thirteenth century, shedding light on the complex interplay between religious authority and societal developments.

Weight: 490g
Dimension: 151 x 229 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108460866