The Canon Law Society of America was founded on November 12, 1939 by a group of canonists in Washington, DC. The Society was established as a professional association dedicated to the study and application of canon law in the Catholic Church. Today the Society’s membership includes over thirteen hundred men and women from thirty-five countries. In serving the leadership of the Church and the People of God, the Society and its members fulfill that responsibility by continuous research and study toward a constant renewal of canon law and by offering practical assistance to members of the Church.

The Canon Law Society is governed by a Board of Governors elected by the membership. Its headquarters are located in Washington, DC in the Office of the Executive Coordinator at the Hecker Center. The Society is incorporated as a non-profit corporation in the District of Columbia.