Title — 1917 Code of Canon Law

Title II: Of Custom

Superseded as law in 1983 — read why this Code still matters. Each canon links to its 1983 counterpart.

English · Latin · Both

Can. 25.

Custom in the Church obtains the force of law solely from the consent of the competent ecclesiastical Superior.

1983 Code correlation: can. 23

Cited by 12 passages

Can. 26.

A community which is at least capable of receiving ecclesiastical law can introduce a custom which obtains the force of law.

1983 Code correlation: can. 25

Cited by 14 passages

Can. 27.

§ 1. No custom can derogate in any way from divine law, whether natural or positive; nor does it prejudice ecclesiastical law unless it has been reasonable and legitimately prescribed through forty continuous and complete years; but against an ecclesiastical law which contains a clause prohibiting future customs, only a reasonable centenary or immemorial custom can prescribe.

§ 2. A custom which is expressly reprobated in the law is not reasonable.

1983 Code correlation: can. 26

Cited by 31+ passages

Can. 28.

A custom beyond the law, which has knowingly been observed by a community with the intention of binding itself, introduces a law, if likewise it has been reasonable and legitimately prescribed through forty continuous and complete years.

1983 Code correlation: can. 28

Cited by 17 passages

Can. 29.

Custom is the best interpreter of laws.

1983 Code correlation: can. 27

Cited by 9 passages

Can. 30.

Without prejudice to the prescription of can. 5, a custom against the law or beyond the law is revoked by a contrary custom or by law; but, unless it has made express mention of them, a law does not revoke centenary or immemorial customs, nor does a general law revoke particular customs.

1983 Code correlation: can. 28

Cited by 15 passages