Presiding Judge of the Collegial Tribunal as Specified by the Dignitas Connubii Instruction

Abstract

The presiding judge of the collegial tribunal is appointed by the decision of Judicial Vicar from among those judges who simultaneously serve as officiales or vice-officiales. The powers of the presiding judge in relation to the remaining judges of the tribunal are a separate issue, which is thoroughly described and organised in Article 64 § 2 of the Instruction. The legislator lists as many as 23 competences of the presiding judge. These 23 competences are divided into eight groups in which one can find all essential trial decisions whose making rests with the presiding judge. Thanks to these powers, organised by Dignitas connubii, its is clear which acts lie within the discretion of the president so that the trial may proceed much more efficiently.