Third Part: On the Impediments of Matrimony

855. Matter to be treated. - After we have spoken of the conditions required for matrimony on the part of consent and of the opposite defects (n. 797-807), likewise of those things which are required for validity and liceity on the part of celebration (n. 845-850), there remains to be spoken of the conditions required on the part of the subject and of those things which in him can impede matrimony. Therefore, where the subject of matrimony comes to be considered, it is also necessary to speak of matrimonial impediments. For "all can contract matrimony who are not prohibited by law" (can. 1035): namely, all enjoying the use of reason are apt for matrimony, and, if they are baptized, also for the sacrament of matrimony, provided they are not prohibited or impeded from it by law. Hence we shall speak:

1° Of the impediments of matrimony in general.

2° Of impeding impediments.

3° Of diriment impediments.

4° Of dispensation from impediments.

5° Of the convalidation of matrimony.