While I agree that this is ridiculous, how is it any different than having a marriage anulled? Are they not allowing those previously married to get married again?
You cannot get an anulmant on account of having killed someone.
This situation is different, as Michael and Terri's marriage has been dissolved through her death. Michael is a widower and can marry again according to the Church. The issue is, can he specifically marry Jody in light of the fact that it can be construed that he killed Terri in order to marry Jody.
He is certainly free to marry anyone else.
The issue for a canon lawyer is, I think, as follows. The state does not consider Terri's death a crime. I am of the opinion that Michael did commit a crime, or a series of crimes, that resulted in her death, whatever the legal term is for the method he employed. Many in the Church are of the same opinion. But -- here's the rub -- is the Church prepared to formally and canonically view Michael's actions as a crime even though the secular courts do not?
One whose spouse dies can remarry without any need for an anullment.
One who brings about the death of their spouse in order to marry another is forbidden by Church law to marry.
It's not really the same thing at all.
SD
The difference is, an annulment declares the the first (apparent) marriage was not binding --- was not, in the eyes of the Church, "marriage" in the sacramental sense of the word --- because of some defect that from the start rendered it non-sacramental. Therefore the parties are free to (civilly) divorce and to remarry somebody else, even though the partner from the null "marriage" is still alive.
In this case, Terri and Michael Schiavo had a valid (sacramental) marriage from the beginnning, but Terri is now dead and Michael is a widower. So the question isn't about the validity of the first marriage. The question is whether a man who brought about the death of his first wife, can re-marry in the Church.
The answer is, canonically, no.
Therefore the priest who conducted the ceremony, and the bishop who permitted it, are pparently in serious violation of Canon Law.
Well, Terri is dead rather than living her life in the care and comfort of her family and friends who loved her. Michael didn't get an annullment - he got a court order to kill her.