Perspectives of ‘Compliance’ in the Church’s Legal System

Abstract

Compliance with the law is a basic requirement for the proper functioning of any organized society. In recent decades, a new way of un­derstanding compliance with the law has developed as a means of protect­ing organizations against crimes com­mitted in the course of their activities, by ensuring that the activity is carried out in accordance with certain regula­tory parameters, even if only internal, which exclude the criminal liability of the organization itself. Some ecclesias­tical entities have equipped themselves with programs of this type and have used them to convey the mission and the work and ethical ‘culture’ of the or­ganization. The article briefly examines the development of ‘new compliance’ in canon law and outlines the dangers and benefits for canonical organizations in adopting compliance programs.