Loans and Credit in the Canon Law Consilia of Wamesius (1524-1590)

Abstract

Johannes Wamesius (1524-1590), a professor of law at the Leuven university, was often asked for his expert opinion on concrete legal cases. Two volumes of (altogether) 600 so-called consilia de iure pontificio were published posthumously by his successor Etienne Weyms. After a short introduction, this article focuses on twenty canonical consultations. Those twenty consilia all concern questions of credit and money-dealing. This contribution first discusses Wamesius’ method and presents the parties and competent authorities involved. Secondly, attention is paid to how Wamesius deals with the plurality of legal sources. In a third step, Wamesius’ views on usury, as well as his consultation on a case of coinage are discussed. Finally, some concluding observations are offered.