The Tribunal

According to the norms of canon law, the Tribunal is the court established by the Diocesan Bishop to examine and adjudicate questions involving the status of persons (for example their freedom to marry), the protection of rights, and the imposition of penalties. In dealing with these questions, the Seattle Metropolitan Tribunal cooperates with pastors and other offices in fostering pastoral care throughout the Archdiocese. The legal practice of the Tribunal is regulated by the Code of Canon Law and the jurisprudence of the tribunals of the universal Church. Those who have studied the law of the Catholic Church at pontifically approved schools, known as canon lawyers, also provide canonical advice to the Archbishop, Auxiliary Bishops, and to all the faithful (laity, religious, and clergy).

The Judicial Vicar is a priest appointed by the Archbishop to preside over judicial matters. Under his direction a staff of clergy, religious, and laypersons, trained especially for such work, carries out the ministry of the Tribunal. The Tribunal staff seeks to protect the rights of the faithful, as well as all others who are entitled to approach the Tribunal regarding their rights within the Catholic Church. These rights include the right not to have one’s good reputation harmed illegitimately.

A majority of the work of the Tribunal involves those who wish to question the status of a marriage. Typically this question arises when a person wishes to enter a new marriage in the Catholic Church, or when a non-Catholic wishes to enter the Catholic Church. The Tribunal examines marriages in order to determine the validity of the bond of marriage and to clarify for the parties their freedom to marry in the Catholic Church. Petitions directed to the Tribunal are usually initiated in a parish with the assistance of a person trained as an Advocate for marriage cases.

For further information regarding marriage questions please visit
The Tribunal FAQ and Types of Marriage Cases. 

Para información o asistencia en Español, por favor
contacte al Tribunal por teléfono o correo electrónico.

Personnel: 

Judicial Vicar:
	Very Rev. Anthony E. Bawyn, JCD
Adjunct Judicial Vicar, Director:
	Rev. Paul R. Pluth, JCL
Assistant Directors:
	Valerie Blesener Karen S. Giffin, M.Min.
Collegial Judges:
	Very Rev. Anthony E. Bawyn, JCD James L. Brooks, M.Ed. Rev. James Eblen Robert J. B. Flummerfelt, JCL Deacon John LaRussa, M.Min. Rev. Paul R. Pluth, JCL Lynda Robitaille, JCD Sister Carolyn A. Roeber, OP, JCL
Defenders of the Bond:
	Rev. Alan Duston, OP, JCD Karen S. Giffin, M.Min.
Assessor:
	Rev. William A. Peterson, CSsR
Ecclesiastical Notaries:
	Valerie Blesener Christina Machnik L. Mahoney