What are the three primary sources of universal canon law in the Latin Church?

• A. The Code of Canon Law
• B. Universal laws issued by the Holy See
• C. The customary law of the universal Church recognized as binding
• D. The Code of Canon Law; universal laws issued by the Holy See; and the customary law of the universal Church recognized as binding

Answer: (D)

In the Latin Church, universal canon law comes from three kinds of sources: written codification, universal laws issued by the Holy See, and binding customary norms. The Code of Canon Law provides the central, comprehensive set of general norms applicable everywhere in the Latin Church. Universal laws issued by the Holy See are decrees, constitutions, and other directives issued by the Pope and curial offices for universal application. The customary law of the universal Church recognized as binding consists of long-standing, general practices that have gained legal force through widespread usage and the Holy See’s recognition. Together, these three forms—codified law, universal papal legislation, and binding customary norms—constitute the sources of universal canon law. Local or particular laws created by bishops’ conferences or individual dioceses are not part of universal canon law.