Abstrakt: | The central part of cases to declare the nullity of marriage is investigation.
Code of Canon Law enumerates following evidence: the declarations of
the parties, proof through documents, witnesses and testimonies, experts,
judicial examination and inspection, presumptions. Among these the most
popular in cases to declare the nullity of marriage are undoubtedly witnesses
and testimonies. It is true that can. 1549 CIC prescribe very wide the
possibilities of using these means, however not everyone might be a witness.
Among few categories of people unable to witnessing at court, the law enumerates
inter alia, priests. However this inability is not absolute and it results
from the specific character of pastoral ministry. Main interest of present
compilation is an analysis of can. 1548 CIC and can. 1550 CIC according to
cleric persons. An inability to witnessing at court resulting from the secrecy
of confession, and exemption from obligatory testimonies resulting from
conducting sacred ministry, are two basic categories limiting the possibility
of calling a clergyman in testimony. The present compilation comprises an
attempt of analysis of practical usage of these legal norms. |