Chapter I: Of the Accusatory Action and Denunciation

The criminal action or accusation is reserved to the promoter of justice alone, all others being excluded.

§ 1. Nevertheless any one of the faithful can always denounce the delict of another to petition satisfaction or to have damage to himself repaired, or also from zeal for justice for the reparation of some scandal or evil.

§ 2. Indeed the obligation of denunciation urges whenever someone is compelled to it either by law or by a particular legitimate precept, or by the natural law itself because of danger to faith or religion or another imminent public evil.

Denunciation must be made in writings signed by the denouncer, or orally to the local Ordinary, or chancellor of the Curia, or vicars forane, or pastors; by these, however, if it was made by living voice, it is to be consigned to writings and immediately deferred to the Ordinary.

One who denounces a delict must supply aids to the promoter of justice for the proof of the same delict.

§ 1. In a cause of injuries or defamation, in order that a criminal action be instituted, a prior denunciation or complaint of the injured party is required.

§ 2. But if there is question of a grave injury or defamation brought upon a cleric or religious, especially one constituted in dignity, or which a cleric or religious has brought upon another, a criminal action can also be instituted from office.