| In England use of arms is a matter of civil law. Many other traditions are less restrictive — allowing, for example, all members of a family or dynastic house to use the same arms or may reserve one or more elements to the Head of the House. Because of their importance as legal property, the use of arms as a distinguishing mark has necessitated their strict regulation (although today only a few countries continue in this); this has been carried out by heralds and the study of coats of arms is called "heraldry." |
