(Taken from various pre-1959 Catholic theologians using scholastic principles.)

1.       One is bound to use diligence in keeping with the truth to be investigated according to the importance of the matter and the condition of person or place.

2.       Every Catholic is obligated to prove that what they are presenting is an actual law or fact; this in accordance with Canon Law and the laws of Scholastic theology.

3.       By definition, a fact must be demonstrated by producing proof of an actual deed, act, event, statement, etc… that actually took place.

4.       Every judgment must be based on proof.

5.       In doubt, facts cannot be presumed, but must be proved.

6.       There is no argument against the evidence.

7.       No argument or conclusion contrary to the evident facts is valid.

8.       No inference contrary to the evident facts is true; conjectural opinions are dangerous, (Pope Pius XII; Humani Generis).

9.       In doubt about anything concerning eternal salvation, the validity of the Sacraments, or the rights of others, the safer course must be taken.

10.   The common good is the end of all law and the Church says it binds even where it can be proven there is no danger, (Can. 21).

11.   The common good demands certitude concerning the validity of acts.

12.   A certainly existing, clear and applicable positive law always binds; a positive law is presumed to be valid.

13.   Every exception to or derogation from the law must be proved beyond a reasonable doubt.

14.   Things deviating from the law are not to be drawn into precedent, (Rule of Canon Law; Cicognani).

15.   Laws declaring an incapacity to act unless certain conditions are verified automatically invalidate any attempted act or reception.

16.   Unless a law expressly or equivalently declares an act invalid, the act itself, while unlawful is valid.

17.   Canon 209 does not supply for those things voided by invalidating and incapacitating laws or required by natural or Divine law.

18.   The Church can supply only that power, the disposition of which is entrusted to her; she cannot, therefore, supply what is required by divine or natural law.

19.   Silence implies consent.

20.   Ignorance of the law does not excuse.

21.   When in doubt one must stand by presumption.

22.   Presumption must yield to truth.

23.   In a doubt of law, the higher law prevails.

24.   One cannot give what he does not possess.