The canons and decrees of the Council of Trent celebrated under Paul III, Julius III, and Pius IV, Bishops of Rome / faithfully translated into English.

CHAP. V.

MOreover, seeing some, who, pretending that divers Injuries, and Molesta∣tions, are brought upon them in their Goods, Affairs, and Rights, obtain Certain Judges to be deputed by Conservatory Letters, that may keep and de∣fend them from such Molestations and Injuries, and keep 'em in possession, and as it were hold in their Hand and preserve their Goods, Estates and Rights; and not suffering them in that Respect to be molested, wrest the said Letters in many things to a Sense quite contrary to the mind of the Giver: Therefore no Conser∣vatory Letters at all, together with any Clauses or Decrees whatsoever, by the Deputation of any Judges whatsoever, or by any Colour or Pretext Granted, as to this, may favour any one at all, of what Dignity or Condition soever he be, even though he should be one of the Chapter, That he cannot be accused and conven'd, and enquir'd and proceeded against before his Bishop, or other supe∣riour ordinary, in Criminal or mixt Causes; or that he is ever the less liable freely to be Conven'd before his ordinary Judge upon the Premises, if the Law will allow him any Evasion. Also in Civil causes, if the Actor himself be extant, he may in no wise bring into the suit, any person among his Conservatory Judges. But if it so fall out, in those causes in which he is guilty, that the Conservator by him Elected, may be said to be suspected by the Actor; or if any difference

should arise between the Judges themselves, Conservator, and Ordinary, con∣cerning the competence of Jurisdiction, the cause shall by no means be proceed∣ed in, until by Arbitrators chosen according to Law, it be decided concerning suspicion or competency of Jurisdiction. But as to his Familiars, who use to de∣fend themselves with Conservatory Letters of this sort, they shall not in the least avail them any thing, unless in two things only; if so be they live upon his pro∣per cost. And no one may have the benefit of such Letters above five years. Neither shall it be lawful for the Conservatory Judges to have any Judgment∣seat erected. But in the Causes of Bribes and miserable persons, the Decree of this Holy Synod shall remain in full force. But the general Universities and Colledges of Doctors, and Students, and Regular places, as also Hospitals, using actual hospitality are exempt; and let all persons of this nature, both of Universities, Colleges, Places, and Hospitals, be exempt, and know themselves so to be, though they be not comprehended in this present Canon.