Who has judicial power?

• A. The Pope
• B. A Church tribunal
• C. A bishop
• D. A parish council

Answer: (B)

In canon law, the authority to judge canonical matters—potestas iudicialis—is exercised by Church tribunals, not by individuals or lay bodies. Church tribunals are the official organs created to hear cases, interpret canon law, and impose canonical penalties when needed. The Pope has supreme authority in law and governance and can determine which matters go to tribunal or preside in certain high cases, but the day-to-day judicial function is carried out by these tribunals. A bishop does have jurisdiction within his diocese, but the formal exercise of judicial power rests with the tribunal system that handles judicial proceedings. A parish council is a lay body focused on governance and pastoral matters and does not possess judicial authority.