dicastery

From Ancient Greek δικαστήριον (dikastḗrion, “judges”), from δίκη (díkē, “right, custom, judgement”).

dicastery (plural dicasteries)

1. A ministry or department of the papal Curia, whether an administrative department of the Vatican City State, or a strictly ecclesiastical department of the Catholic Church.
   • (Can we date this quote?) “Contacting a Roman Dicastery”, in Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN)‎:

     Since the Supreme Pontiff has immediate, ordinary jurisdiction in every particular church (diocese) in the world, Canon Law affords every Catholic the right of appeal to the Pope. This is done through the Roman dicasteries (Congregations, Councils etc.). Letters should be brief, factual and respectful.

2. A judicial body of the ancient Athenian state, made up of dicasts.
   • 1910, William Stearns Davis, A Day in Old Athens‎:

     The better cause has conquered; and there is at least this advantage to the Athenian legal system, there will be no appeal nor tedious technicalities before a "higher court." The verdict of the dicastery is final.

• dicasterial