Understanding Canon 17 of the 1983 "Code of Canon Law" in Light of Contemporary Hermeneutics

This study formulates a theory of understanding which incorporates pertinent results of hermeneutical reflection, for the interpretation of canon law, in particular, Canon 17 of the 1983 Code. Hermeneutics creates the awareness that the meaning of a legal text is not simply offered to a passive subject-interpreter in any routine procedure, but presents itself as a dynamic and creative reality requiring constant interaction between various subjective and objective, textual and extra-textual factors.