IMC 2012: Sessions

Paper -a:
The activity of the inquisition, during the 13th century, is based on not-perfectly defined rules. Its autority and jurisdiction derives directly and exclusively from the Pope, so its power to judge can be exercited only in cases where the social context accepts as valid this autority and mandate, at certain conditions. The paper would like to inquire what happens when this unwritten 'pact' expires. When the interests of the church (or inquisitors) and the lay society conflict on specific points and the activity of the officium is perceived as an abuse, or forces existing social, political or economical orders.

Paper -b:
The links between Canon Law and church architecture have been a neglected topic among historians of architecture and among law historians. Nevertheless, a look at the more detailed disquisitions on church architecture written until 15th century, shows that the greatest contributors to this subject have usually been clergymen with long experience in Canon Law, i.e. Durandus bishop of Mende and Siccardus of Cremona. A comparative reading of their writings might detect the first stages of the links between Arts and Canon law, which had rich developments in modern times.