Canonical
advocacy
Michael J. Mazza, J.D., J.C.D.
+1 (262) 239-2010
MJMAZZAJDJCD@PM.ME
Legal conflicts - in the church or in the world - can be complicated and stressful.
Sometimes you just need someone who will listen.
I am ready to help.
Michael J. Mazza
* I am a civil lawyer with over 20 years of experience zealously advocating on behalf of my clients.
* I obtained my licentiate and doctorate in canon law from the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome.
* I am an adjunct professor of canon law at a local Jesuit law school and at a local Catholic seminary.
* I am not directly employed by any diocese or religious order.
* I am a Catholic lay man, a husband, and a father.
* I am a native English speaker, fluent in Italian, and have a professional competence in Latin and Spanish.
* If you need independent, sound, and helpful legal advice, I will be happy to do whatever I can to assist.
Practice areas
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Advocacy
for Clerics, Religious, and Laity
Too often, the rights of the faithful - under both canon law and even natural law - are not being observed, even by some in the Church. If you need someone who will do all he can to help you vindicate your rights, please let me know. If you are a priest accused of misconduct, it is vital that you avail yourself of competent canonical counsel as soon as possible.
Parishes
Demographic tensions, financial struggles, and ideological differences can cause tensions within parishes and within dioceses. If your group needs an objective opinion or expert advice, I am here to help.
Declarations of Nullity
"Annulments"
The process surrounding a declaration of nullity regarding a marriage can be confusing and painful. If you need an independent advocate to hear your story, please call.
Defamation
Actions
Attacks on reputation are becoming more common - and more damaging - in this age of the internet and social media. If you believe that your good name has been harmed, I am ready to advocate on your behalf.
Interviews and Publications:
Reviewed a book by Fr Michel Viot and Yohan Picquart on the Sauvé Report on the clerical sexual abuse crisis in France in Church, Communication and Culture (vol. 8, no. 1 (2023): 128-131):
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/23753234.2023.2166859
Contributed a piece on the canonical tradition valuing the right to reputation in the Revista Espanola de Derecho Canonico (vol. 79, no. 193 (2023): 515-555):
https://revistas.upsa.es/index.php/derechocanonico/article/view/447/511
Authored an article on the canonical implications of publishing lists of "credibly accused" clerics in The Jurist (vol. 78, no. 2, pp. 445-476):
https://muse.jhu.edu/pub/16/article/878013/pdf
Published a law review article on civil lawsuits by Catholic priests (Tulsa Law Review, vol. 58, no. 1, pp. 77-97):
https://digitalcommons.law.utulsa.edu/tlr/
Quoted in a Wall Street Journal article regarding a survey of Catholic priests by researchers at CUA (19 Oct 2022):
Referenced on a widely read blog:
Interviewed in Spanish periodical Omnes regarding advocacy work on behalf of priests:
https://omnesmag.com/articulos/michael-mazza-due-process-must-be-assured-in-abuse-trials/
Reviewed a doctoral thesis on the applicaion of prescription in canonical penal matters:
https://muse.jhu.edu/pub/16/article/860313
Translated work on canon law by Prof. Carlos José Errázuriz:
https://www.staugustine.net/our-books/books/that-which-is-just-in-the-church/
Wrote a canon law doctoral thesis on a cleric's right to his reputation:
Published an article describing the current crisis of antinomianism:
https://www.hprweb.com/2019/11/canon-law-civil-law-and-the-current-crisis-in-the-church/
Authored several law review articles on pertinent topics:
https://scholarship.law.nd.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1481&context=ndlr
https://scholarship.law.marquette.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1399&context=mulr
https://scholarship.law.marquette.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1476&context=mulr
What others are saying...
"Michael’s help was indispensable in helping me remain in ministry. I am grateful for his wise counsel and steady hand at a time of great stress for me."
"The members of our parish who retained Michael to help us in our dealings with the diocese were very pleased with his professionalism, his diligence, and his promptness in replying to our concerns."
"In addition to his excellent legal advice,
I am very grateful for Michael’s patient ear and caring heart during my struggles with my diocese. Without his help, I’m not sure where I’d be at the moment."
* Please keep in mind that the outcome of a legal matter depends on its unique circumstances. We cannot predict or guarantee a particular result in a future matter based on our successful results in past matters.