Book I General Norms

The canons of this Code affect only the Latin Church.

For the most part the Code does not define the rites which are to be observed in celebrating liturgical actions. For this reason current liturgical norms retain their force unless (nisi) a given liturgical norm is contrary to the canons of the Code.

The canons of the Code neither abrogate nor derogate from the pacts entered upon by the Apostolic See with nations or other political societies. They therefore continue in force as presently, notwithstanding any prescriptions of this Code to the contrary.

Acquired rights as well as privileges granted up to this time by the Apostolic See to physical or juridic persons remain unimpaired provided they are presently in use and have not been revoked, unless (nisi) they are expressly revoked by the canons of this Code.

§ 1.

Presently existing universal or particular customs contrary to the prescriptions of these canons which are reprobated by the very canons of this Code are entirely suppressed, nor are they permitted to revive in the future. Other customs are also considered suppressed unless (nisi) the Code expressly provides otherwise or unless they are centenary or immemorial, in which case they can be tolerated if in the judgment of the ordinary they cannot be removed due to circumstances of place and persons.

§ 2.

Presently existing universal or particular customs which are apart from the law (praeter ius) are preserved.

§ 1.

When this Code goes into effect, the following are abrogated: (1) the Code of Canon Law promulgated in 1917;

(2) other universal or particular laws contrary to the prescriptions of this Code, unless (nisi) particular laws are otherwise expressly provided for;

(3) any universal or particular penal laws whatsoever issued by the Apostolic See, unless (nisi) they are contained in this Code;

(4) other universal disciplinary laws dealing with a matter which is regulated ex integro by this Code.

§ 2.

The canons of this Code insofar as they refer to the old law are to be assessed also in accord with canonical tradition.