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The Invalidating Impact of Force and Fear on Marriage
Mary Jane Aririguzo
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DOI:10.17265/2328-2177/2026.05.009
Catholic Institute of West Africa, Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Marriage, as a sacrament of communion and consecration of love, requires freely given consent, a principle underscored by Pope Francis. This article examines the invalidating impact of force and fear on marriage, arguing that coercion undermines the essential element of consent, and can render marriage invalid. Analysing some pertinent canons and canonical jurisprudence (Can. 1103, 125 §§1-2), it highlights how fear and violence compromise freedom, vitiating the “handing over of oneself” intrinsic to a valid marriage. Exploring the Church’s teaching and jurisprudential praxis, the study aims to empower couples in exercising their freedom to choose life partners, affirming the dignity of marriage as a union of love.
coercion, consent, fear, force, freedom, marriage, validity
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