Gratian and the Role of Consent

Köln, Erzbischöfliche Diözesan- und Dombibliothek 127, fol. 9r

Köln, Erzbischöfliche Diözesan- und Dombibliothek 128, fol. 10v
D.1 c.5:  Custom (Consuetudo) is a sort of ius established by mos and recognized as ordinance (lex) when ordinance (lex) is lacking.  It does not matter whether it is confirmed by writing or by reason since reason (interlinear gloss: scilicet consuetudo)  approves law (lex)

Köln, Erzbischöfliche Diözesan- und Dombibliothek 127, fol. 10r
Gratian, D.4 dictum after c.3:   Ordinances (Leges) are instituted when they are promulgated;  they are confirmed when they have been approved by the mos of those who observe them.  Just as indeed the several laws (leges) today are abrogated by the mos of those who observe them (interlinear gloss: completely taken away: penitus ablate).

Köln, Erzbischöfliche Diözesan- und Dombibliothek 127, fol. 13v

D.12 c.6:  Long standing usages (mos) approved by the consent (consensus) of those following them are like ordinances (lex) (Diuturni mores consensu utentium approbati legem inmitantur).

The role of consent in the jurisprudence of legislation and government in the Ius commune

Quod omnes tangit ab omnibus approbari debet (What touches all must be approved by all) Canon Law

K. Pennington, Representation in Medieval Canon Law

Ken Pennington, Politics in Western Jurisprudence