What is the process for publishing acts in canon law proceedings?

• A. Acts are kept confidential among the judge's chamber.
• B. Acts are publicly posted within the diocese only.
• C. Decisions and procedural steps are officially released to the parties and the proper ecclesiastical channel, ensuring transparency and record-keeping.
• D. Acts are publicly posted on secular government websites.

Answer: (C)

In canon law proceedings, the acts of the process—including decisions, orders, and procedural steps—are released through the official ecclesiastical channels to the parties involved. This ensures due process: the parties receive timely, formal notification, have the opportunity to respond, and understand the grounds and timeline of the proceedings. It also creates an authoritative record within the Church’s proper offices for accountability and potential review.

Publishing only within a judge’s chamber would deprive the parties and oversight bodies of access, undermining transparency. Limiting publication to the diocese would narrow the scope of record-keeping and public accountability, whereas the formal acts belong in the Church’s official record and channels beyond a single local sphere. Publishing on secular government websites is not appropriate, since canon law matters fall under ecclesiastical jurisdiction and require publication within the Church’s own systems to preserve confidentiality, proper process, and avenues for canonical appeal.