What is the difference between Canon Law and Liturgical Law in Catholic Church?

Answer 1

Canon Law is the broader body of Roman Catholic Church law based on their interpretations of the Scriptures and is also based on the Church's traditions and customs accumulated over the centuries. Canon Law is the means by the which the Church governs and administrates the Church over the entire world to maintain unity and conformity. For example, divorce is not permitted but one can obtain an annulment and this involves proving that a marriage was no marriage to begin with. All petitions for annulment are forwarded to the Roman Rota, a body of high clergy within the Vatican City who skilled in Canon Law. There are many grounds on which one may petition the Church eg. if either party to the marriage can prove that his/her partner entered the marriage without the intention of having children, this is an excellent reason to petition the Rota as the Roman Catholic Church believes that marriage is mainly for the purpose of procreation. The process of annulment may, on many occasions, take several years.

The Liturgical Law of the Church is a sub-category but an important one, contained within canon law. These laws govern how the rites and rituals of the Church should be observed, again for the purpose of unity and regularity of the entire Church. Liturgical Law governs such things as the vestments worn by the priest celebrating the Mass, the placement of the altar and tabernacle, the placement of lecterns (reading stands) and other church furniture. Liturgical laws also governs the respectful way the priest and the faithful behave ie. the posture of all those involved in church ceremonies, whether it be sitting, standing or kneeling. Liturgical Law also governs all the innovtions of Vatican II such as who may dispense holy communion, women's role in Church ceremonies, the sign of peace and general respectful behaviour and silence, especially during the Mass.