Shaping Canon Law in an Age of Reform

Petrus Peckius on Church Reparation and Clerical Discipline

By (author) Ana Luiza Ferreira Gomes Silva

Book cover: Shaping Canon Law in an Age of Reform

Extent: 522 pages

Publisher: Brill | Schöningh

Subjects: Religious Studies

Series: Law and Religion in the Early Modern Period / Recht und Religion in der Fruhen Neuzeit

Series volume number: 8

Language: English

Hardback (Published)

(December 2025)

ISBN: 9783506798107

6.1 x 9.25 inches

Price: $155.00

In stock

This book examines the contributions of Petrus Peckius (1529-1589), a law professor at the University of Leuven, focusing on how he shaped canon law amid the rise of Protestantism, ongoing wars, and the demands of Catholic Reform, particularly the Council of Trent (1545-1563). This research shows that while Peckius largely adhered to established canons and jurisprudence within its commune, he also engaged with reform, introduced methodological innovations, and adapted to contemporary challenges. Based on Peckius published works and lecture notes taken by a student in Leuven (1575-1577), we provide insight into his role as both jurist and educator. The emphasis lies on two key issues explored by Peckius: (1) the reparation of churches damaged during the Iconoclastic Fury and (2) the regulation of clerical conduct.

  • By (author) Ana Luiza Ferreira Gomes Silva