Law in the Church: Where Do You Stand?

[notitia]

In an effort to help pass the time, I thought it would be interesting to open up this topic to the board. As my interests are primarily in the historical relationship between canon law and theology, I find there to be no small amount of debate among theologians of all faith traditions concerning this topic - and as GradCafe forum looks to have a wide representation of faith traditions, it should make for a good discussion!

A couple basic questions to begin. . .

(i) is it necessary for the Church to have law? If yes, why - if no, why not?

(ii) what is the philosophical/theological/historical basis for your position?