I.   Introductory provisions

The Law in name, vow or oath refers to this body of valid canon law and no other.

When a rule is in accordance with the Law, then it may be legitimately considered a law, having the full force and effect of the Law. However, when a rule is against the Law, it has neither force nor effect of Law.

A Divine Law or a Natural Law is established ab initio (from the beginning), regardless of its first date of promulgation.

A Divine Law or Natural Law is its own proof and evidence in accordance with these canons.

A Positive Law is established and takes force when it is promulgated in accordance with these canons.

Particular laws are promulgated in the manner determined by the legislator and begin to take effect fourteen (14) days after the day of promulgation unless the Law itself establishes another time period.

Any law presently in force which is contrary to the prescript of a valid canon is therefore reprobate, suppressed and not permitted to be revived.

Laws regard the present and future, not the past, unless they expressly provide for the past.