Work

‘What is Caesar’s?’: Canon Law and the Constraint of the Prince in Medieval International Law

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This article analyses the influence of developments in canon law on European international law between the 12th and 16th centuries. It discusses the construction of sovereignty; the role of canonical civil procedure in regulating disputes between princes; and efforts by canonists to limit the destruction caused by medieval warfare. Throughout, historical examples are provided to illustrate the effects of these developments in practice. The article concludes that medieval canon law had the effect of constraining sovereign power and limiting the prince’s ability to act with impunity.

Source: Oxford Journal of Law and Religion

DOI: 10.1093/ojlr/rwag003

Author: Jacob T McConville

Institution: McGill University

Language: English

Topic: Theology and Canon Law Studies

Subfield: Religious studies

Field: Arts and Humanities

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,533