Centre for Law and Religion

Description

The Centre for Law and Religion brings together a community of scholars and practitioners to undertake interdisciplinary research into religious and state law in a variety of theoretical contexts.

The Centre researches the theory and practice of state law, religious law, and their historical, theological, social, ecumenical and comparative contexts. It works closely with the Ecclesiastical Law Society, and members include academics, legal practitioners, and members of the clergy.

The lives of religious organisations and their members are regulated by a complex system of rules – not only of religious organisations themselves, but by the laws of state.

In the medieval period, the law of the western Christian Church was studied in major European universities, who awarded degrees in Canon Law to their graduates. The English Reformation of the sixteenth century put an end to such study in England and Wales. Nevertheless, religion and canon law have been fundamental to the development of the common law and the civil law traditions, such as in the fields of marriage and family law, criminal law, trusts, contract, and public law.

There has been an increasing interest in the law relating to religion and religious organisations in the UK. There is more legislation affecting religion, such as the protection of religious freedom under the Human Rights Act 1998, and more cases involving religious groups appearing in court. The Centre for Law and Religion contributes to the growing literature on law and religion.

Offers funding

No, this infrastructure does not provide funding.

Founding year

1998

Contact details

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University affiliation(s)

Cardiff University
Cardiff