In 1597 the entire parish was cited before a church court for laxity.

This led to him being brought before church courts again in 1608 and 1611.

The judgment of the special church court did little to clear the air.

These were troublesome to both the secular and church courts of the day.

On the other hand, family rights and inheritance usually fell under the jurisdiction of the church courts.

He soon became a leader on the moderate side in the church courts.

They may request that a church court of appeals review the decision.

He planned to create a church court that could marry or divorce people and decide criminal cases.

They could be tried for crimes only in a church court under Canon law.

John Bell is taken to church court, having been accused of stealing a woman's land.