Legal Definitions - Court of Canterbury

The Court of Canterbury is an ecclesiastical court in the province of Canterbury. It is responsible for hearing appeals from provincial diocesan courts. The court was originally called the Court of Arches because it was held in the Church of St. Mary-le-Bow, which had arches like bent bows.

The Pope used to hear appeals from the Court of Arches until the break with Rome. After that, the appellate jurisdiction was transferred to the Court of Delegates. Today, the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council hears certain appeals from the Court of Arches.

For example, if someone is unhappy with a decision made by a diocesan court in the province of Canterbury, they can appeal to the Court of Canterbury. The Court of Canterbury will then review the decision and make a ruling.

Another example is if a church member wants to challenge a decision made by their bishop, they can appeal to the Court of Canterbury. The court will then hear the case and make a decision.

The Court of Canterbury is an important part of the ecclesiastical legal system in England. It ensures that decisions made by lower courts are fair and just.