Equestrian Orders and Canon Law

Notes for a Legal Framework

Abstract

The equestrian orders are institutions born in the Middle Ages for reconquering and protecting the Holy Land. Dynasties, States and the Holy See have also instituted equestrian orders in order to confer honours for particular acts of merit. Beginning with their history, this article examines the juridical nature of those equestrian orders specific to the Holy See and those recognised by it, and proposes some points of reflection for their future.