CHAP. XV.
Upon this subject it has been made a question whether if any one was begotten or born before his Father married the Mother, such Son is the lawful Heir, if the Father afterwards married his Mother? Although, indeed, the Canons and the Roman Laws consider such Son as the lawful Heir,[274] yet, according to the Law and Custom of this Realm, he shall in no measure be supported as Heir in his claim upon the Inheritance; nor can he demand the Inheritance, by the Law of the Realm.[275] But yet if a question should arise, whether such a Son was begotten or born before marriage, or after, it should, as we have observed, be discussed before the Ecclesiastical Judge; and of his decision he shall inform the King, or his Justices. And thus, according to the Judgment of the Court Christian concerning the marriage, namely, whether the Demandant was born or begotten before marriage contracted, or after, the King’s Court shall supply that which is necessary, in adjudging or refusing the Inheritance respecting which the dispute is; so that by its decision the Demandant shall either obtain such inheritance, or lose his claim.