Legal Definitions - in sacris

IN SACRIS

In sacred matters. This phrase is used in Scots law to refer to the supremacy of ecclesiastical-court jurisdiction in certain matters, especially those involving church doctrine and discipline.

1. The court ruled that the case fell under the jurisdiction of the ecclesiastical court because it involved a dispute over church doctrine, which is considered in sacris.

2. The bishop's decision to excommunicate the parishioner was based on the church's teachings, which are considered in sacris.

The examples illustrate how the phrase in sacris is used in Scots law to refer to matters that are considered sacred or related to church doctrine and discipline. In both examples, the ecclesiastical court has jurisdiction over the case because it involves matters that are considered in sacris. This means that the court has the authority to make decisions based on religious teachings and principles.