How does an appeal in canon law proceed?

• A. A party can only appeal to civil courts.
• B. Appeals are limited to the instant review of evidence.
• C. A party seeks review by a higher tribunal, which may review the legality and application of law; it can suspend the original decision in some cases.
• D. Appeals automatically suspend all ecclesiastical processes.

Answer: (C)

An appeal in canon law is a process by which a party asks a higher church tribunal to review a decision to ensure the proper application and interpretation of canon law. The appellate court weighs whether the law was applied correctly to the facts and can correct errors by reversing or modifying the decision; in some cases it can suspend the effect of the original ruling while the appeal is underway, if allowed by the rules or if the court grants a stay. This remedy is ecclesiastical in nature, not civil, and it is not limited to a quick review of the evidence; the focus is on ensuring lawful application of normative law, with possible consideration of the relevant facts as they bear on that law.