Note 128 — Chapter VIII · CUSTOM.

Quare rectissime etiam illud receptum est, ut leges non solum suffragio legislatoris. sed etiam tacito consensu omnium per desuetudinem abrogentur. D. 1. 3. 32. 1. Considerable doubt, however, exists as to the true relation between custom and statute in Roman law, owing to a passage in the Code (C. 8. 53. 2.) which, if read literally, conflicts with the doctrine expressed in the Digest, and declares custom to be destitute of legal effect if contrary to statute law. The ingenuity of German jurists has suggested numerous solutions of the apparent inconsistency, but with no convincing result. See Savigny’s System, vol. i. Appendix II. Vangerow, Pandekten, I. sect. 16. Dernburg, Pandekten, I. sect. 28.