AI Overview Before Vatican II (pre-1962), a Catholic annulment—properly known as a Declaration of Nullity—was defined as an official, rare declaration by an ecclesiastical tribunal that a marriage thought to be valid was, in fact, never a binding, sacramental union from its inception due to a specific defect. Under the 1917 Code of Canon Law (in force before Vatican II), grounds for nullity were narrowly interpreted, focusing strictly on impediments (e.g., hidden impotence, existing marriage) or a clear lack of valid consent. Definition of Force or Fear (Pre-Vatican II) Annulment based on "force or fear" (vis et metus) was allowed if a person was coerced into marriage against their will, rendering them incapable of providing the free consent required for a valid sacrament. The fear had to be grave, external, unjust, and the direct cause of the marriage. Examples of Force or Fear Physical Threats (Force): A party is threatened with death, bodily harm, or severe violence if they refuse to marry. "Shotgun" Weddings (Fear): A woman is pregnant and her father or brothers threaten the man with severe violence, or with killing him, unless he marries her immediately. Social/Family Pressure (Grave Fear): A woman is forced by her parents to marry a specific person, threatening to abandon her, disinherit her, or cast her out of the family if she refuses. Abusive Situations: A person enters a marriage to escape an intensely abusive, terrifying, or oppressive home environment, where the marriage is seen as the only means of escape. Pregnancy Outside Marriage: A young couple marries only to avoid the severe social stigma of a pre-marital pregnancy. Key Differences Pre-Vatican II Rarity: Prior to 1962, annulments were very rare (e.g., 392 worldwide between 1952–1955). Strict Standards: Only a few psychological grounds were accepted, usually restricted to cases where a party completely lacked the "use of reason". Focus on Consent: The focus was heavily on whether the external vows were made under duress, rather than the psychological capacity for a long-term relationship.

AI Overview

Before Vatican II (pre-1962), a Catholic annulment—properly known as a 

Declaration of Nullity—was defined as an official, rare declaration by an ecclesiastical tribunal that a marriage thought to be valid was, in fact, never a binding, sacramental union from its inception due to a specific defect. 

Under the 1917 Code of Canon Law (in force before Vatican II), grounds for nullity were narrowly interpreted, focusing strictly on impediments (e.g., hidden impotence, existing marriage) or a clear lack of valid consent. 

Definition of Force or Fear (Pre-Vatican II)

Annulment based on "force or fear" (vis et metus) was allowed if a person was coerced into marriage against their will, rendering them incapable of providing the free consent required for a valid sacrament. The fear had to be grave, external, unjust, and the direct cause of the marriage. 

Examples of Force or Fear

• Physical Threats (Force): A party is threatened with death, bodily harm, or severe violence if they refuse to marry.
• "Shotgun" Weddings (Fear): A woman is pregnant and her father or brothers threaten the man with severe violence, or with killing him, unless he marries her immediately.
• Social/Family Pressure (Grave Fear): A woman is forced by her parents to marry a specific person, threatening to abandon her, disinherit her, or cast her out of the family if she refuses.
• Abusive Situations: A person enters a marriage to escape an intensely abusive, terrifying, or oppressive home environment, where the marriage is seen as the only means of escape.
• Pregnancy Outside Marriage: A young couple marries only to avoid the severe social stigma of a pre-marital pregnancy. 

Key Differences Pre-Vatican II

• Rarity: Prior to 1962, annulments were very rare (e.g., 392 worldwide between 1952–1955).
• Strict Standards: Only a few psychological grounds were accepted, usually restricted to cases where a party completely lacked the "use of reason".
• Focus on Consent: The focus was heavily on whether the external vows were made under duress, rather than the psychological capacity for a long-term relationship.