Repugnance in civil law. What is the importance of good morals in a legal system?

Authors

  • Enrique Varsi Rospigliosi Universidad de Lima (Lima, Perú) https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7206-6522

    Abogado por la Universidad de Lima (Lima, Perú). Magíster en Derecho civil y comercial por la Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos. Doctor en Derecho por la misma casa de estudios. Responsable del Grupo de Investigación en Derecho civil del Instituto de Investigación Científica de la Universidad de Lima.
    Correo electrónico: evarsi@ulima.edu.pe.

  • Marco Andrei Torres Maldonado Universidad de Lima (Lima, Perú) https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9943-3890

    Abogado por la Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (Lima, Perú). Magíster en Derecho civil por la Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú. Miembro del Grupo de Investigación en Derecho civil del Instituto de Investigación Científica de la Universidad de Lima.
    Correo electrónico: mantorre@ulima.edu.pe.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18800/iusetveritas.202501.014

Keywords:

Good customs, Social morality, Private autonomy, Repugnance, Contract, Customs

Abstract

In this article, the concept of repugnance in Civil Law and its relationship with good customs is critically analyzed, addressing how these act as limits and sanctions against behaviors deemed immoral in specific historical, cultural, and legal contexts. 
Through a dogmatic, historical, and jurisprudential approach, the manifestations and applications of the concept of good customs in Peruvian and comparative legal systems are examined. Special emphasis is placed on its nature as an indeterminate legal concept, allowing its adaptability to diverse temporal and spatial circumstances. The findings highlight that good customs not only limit private autonomy but also reflect the predominant ethical values of a society, establishing themselves as an essential tool to ensure social cohesion and justice. Additionally, the study provides evidence of their role in regulating contracts, trademarks, and practices considered socially reprehensible, such as prostitution, pornography, or dwarf-tossing. Finally, it concludes that good customs are a dynamic and fundamental element in law, as they integrate social morality with legal norms, contributing to the preservation of human dignity and equity in legal relations.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Published

2025-08-27

How to Cite

Varsi Rospigliosi, E., & Torres Maldonado, M. A. (2025). Repugnance in civil law. What is the importance of good morals in a legal system?. IUS ET VERITAS, (70), 245–262. https://doi.org/10.18800/iusetveritas.202501.014