Article — 1917 Code of Canon Law
Article I: Of Witnesses
Superseded as law in 1983 — read why this Code still matters. Each canon links to its 1983 counterpart.
Blood relatives and affines of whom in can. 1757, Sec. 3, n. 3, are held as able witnesses in the causes of their relatives.
Consanguinei et affines de quibus in can. 1757, § 3, n. 3, habentur testes habiles in causis suorum propinquorum.
§ 1. In causes of impotence or non-consummation, unless concerning impotence or non-consummation it is otherwise certainly established, each spouse must introduce witnesses, who are called of the seventh hand, joined to himself by blood or affinity, or otherwise neighbors of good reputation, or otherwise informed concerning the matter, who can swear concerning the probity of the spouses themselves, and especially concerning their truthfulness regarding the matter brought into controversy; to whom the judge, according to the norm of can. 1759, Sec. 3, can join other witnesses from office.
§ 2. Testimony of the seventh hand is an argument of credibility which adds strength to the depositions of the spouses; but it does not obtain the force of full proof unless it is supported by other aids or arguments.
§ 1. In causis impotentiae vel inconsummationis, nisi de impotentia vel inconsummatione aliunde certo constet, debet uterque coniux testes, qui septimae manus audiunt, inducere, sanguine aut affinitate sibi coniunctos, sin minus vicinos bonae famae, aut alioquin de re edoctos, qui iurare possint de ipsorum coniugum probitate, et praesertim de veracitate circa rem in controversiam deductam; quibus iudex ad normam can. 1759, § 3 alios testes potest ex officio adiungere.
§ 2. Testimonium septimae manus est argumentum credibilitatis quod robur addit depositionibus coniugum; sed vim plenae probationis non obtinet, nisi aliis adminiculis aut argumentis fulciatur.