Custom as a Source of National Law: Review of Documents and Academic Opinions
https://doi.org/10.17803/2542-2472.2023.27.3.061-074
Abstract
The paper highlights that, unlike the law, custom in most modern constitutions is not named as a source of national law. Nevertheless, according to the laws, especially in the field of civil law, the role of custom as a source of national law is traditionally supported. In this context, the author analyzes the meaning of the terms «custom», «legal custom», «customary law» used in documents and in academic and legal studies. The paper examines why in one case general practice qualifies as a rule of national law, and in another cases this does not take place. The paper gives various definitions of these concepts proposed by legal scholars, both domestic and foreign. The characteristic of the nature of custom in the legal system of the Russian Federation is presented, taking into account the fact that in its current constitution «custom» (or «legal custom») is not named among the sources of law, but the role of custom in civil law, for example, is preserved. In the format of a comparative legal analysis, the author outlines the role of custom in a number of countries (at the same time, a characteristic of custom in the law of Great Britain is proposed as case-law, where custom has long been recognized as a source of law), when comparing the importance of customary norms in the hierarchy of sources of national law in the countries of the Shanghai Commonwealth Organization. In conclusion, the author proposes some theoretical generalizations on this topic.
About the Author
V. A. Vylegzhanina
MGIMO University
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Varvara A. Vylegzhanina, Student
76, Vernadskogo Prospect, Moscow 119454
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Review
For citations:
Vylegzhanina V.A. Custom as a Source of National Law: Review of Documents and Academic Opinions. Russian Law Online. 2023;(3):61-74. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.17803/2542-2472.2023.27.3.061-074
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