
Ecclesiastical courts
Ecclesiastical courts are legal bodies established by religious organizations, particularly in Christian contexts, to adjudicate matters related to church law and discipline. They handle issues like marriage, divorce, inheritance, and disputes involving clergy or church property, operating independently of secular courts. Their decisions are based on religious principles and canon law. While they have limited jurisdiction, their rulings can influence the lives of church members and maintain order within religious communities. Historically significant, they still exist today in some denominations, emphasizing the intersection of faith and law.