ics," a
two-thirds majority of each order of the representative house was
required and a year's delay for consultation of the diocesan synods.
Provisions were made as to lay representation in the diocesan synods.
The Convention also enacted some canons and a statute in regard to
ecclesiastical tribunals (see ECCLESIASTICAL JURISDICTION). It expressly
provided that its own legislation might be repealed or amended by future
general synods.

In 1871 the General Synod attempted to codify its canon law in
forty-eight canons which, "and none other," were to have force and
effect as the canons of the Church of Ireland. Since 1871 the General
Synod has, from time to time, put forth other canons.

The post-Reformation history of canon law in the Anglican communion in
_Scotland_ has differed from the story of that law in the last four
centuries in Ireland. After the legislation under William and Mary
disestablishing episcopacy in Scotland and subjecting its professors to
civil penalties, little attention was given to canon law for many years.
Synods of bishops at Edinburgh in 1724 and 1731 dealt with some disputed
questions of ritual and ceremonial. In 1743 an assembly of five bishops
enacted sixteen canons. A "primus" was to be chosen indifferently from
the bishops, but to have no other powers than those of convoking and
presiding over synods. He was to hold office only during pleasure of the
other bishops. Bishops were to be elected by the presbyters of the
district. Such election was subject to the confirmation of the majority
of the bishops. In 1811, a "Code of Canons" was enacted by a "General
Ecclesiastical Synod," consisting of the bishops, the deans (viz.
presbyters appointed by the bishops in each diocese to defend the
interests of the presbyters and now for the first time given "decisive"
voice in synods) and certain clerical representatives from the
"districts" or dioceses. Future synods, called for the purpose of
altering the code, were to consist of two chambers. The first was to be
composed of the bishops; the second to consist of the "deans" and
clerical representatives. No law or canon was to be enacted or
abrogated, save by the consent of both chambers. These canons were
revised in 1828, 1829 and 1838. The code of this last year created
diocesan synods, to be held annually and to consist of the bishop, dean
and all instituted clergy of the diocese. It also provided for the
annual meeting of a purely episcopal s