State ecclesiastical issues in Hungarian succession law

Abstract

The study presents the interrelations between the state and the ecclesiastical legal systems in the field of succession law, the specific rules that apply to churches, religious communities and ecclesiastical persons, where the right to religious freedom plays a role in the field of succession, and when internal ecclesiastical rules apply. The law of succession is one of the areas of civil law (alongside, for example, personal rights) which is most closely linked to the rules of ethics and where a large number of rules of state ecclesiastical law apply. The strong moral character of this area of the law is partly rooted in religious principles, as illustrated by the still dominant biblical roots of the rules of succession. The issue of succession from ecclesiastical and legal persons gives rise to a number of intriguing legal questions. Therefore, the notary public involved in succession matters drafting a testament or a contract, a declaration regarding death, must also pay attention to the legislation, principles, and moral values that promote the enforcement of the fundamental right to freedom of conscience and religion.