The article tries to demonstrate the current status of the canonical science, starting out from the assumption of the codificatory paradigm into canon law, analyzing, e.g., the methods applied, the main institutions of research and teaching in canon law and its relationship to theology; and points out current challenges, e.g. to overcome the identity-crisis (theological or juridical nature of canon law?); develop an appropriate theory of canon law; enforce the centrality of the human person in the system of canon law.