Resumen de Hinweise zur Geschichte der Prasumptionen
Aspects o/ the History o/ Presumptions. Modem research on medieval presumptions shows the role of canon law in the development ofthis highly artificial legal device. Presumptions may even be proof of a sophisticated jurisprudence. Without a dogmatic model in Roman law, the decretals started to collect presumptions and develop a doctrinal system of different sorts and grades. These collections not only led to famous works by Alciato, Menochius, and Mascardus; they also led to the recognition ofinherent difficulties: Ajudicature based on a system ofpresumptions transfers prejudices into final verdicts. For this reason, presumptions lost their appeal to lawyers and even acquired abad reputation, at least in some countries. To some extent, therefore, canon law rules and maxims still function today
