Mikołaj Kopernik, Copernicus (1473-1543)

This chapter explores the life and work of Nicolaus Copernicus as a jurist. Although the only diploma Nicolaus Copernicus obtained in his life was in law, it is true that he had no academic interest in the subject and never wrote about it theoretically. On those occasions when he felt the need to present himself with the solemnity and importance of his full title, the famous astronomer always termed himself decretorum doctor, that is, doctor of canon law. He is usually presented almost exclusively as a mere administrator engaged in the affairs of political and social life, but the truth is that Copernicus is perhaps the most famous practicing lawyer in the world, and it was his formation as a lawyer that determined his way of perceiving and thinking about the world of affairs in which he was involved, a type of formation that distinguishes legal studies from other forms of intellectual and scientific training. He was in fact a typical in-house counsel, a practitioner in the service of the cathedral chapter to which he belonged. In carrying out his professional role as a lawyer, Copernicus fulfilled his life’s calling as a Catholic clergyman.