Morals of the Church
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Article — Wouters, Manual of Moral Theology

Article VIII. On the Cessation of Law

172.

A law can cease intrinsically and extrinsically. It is said to cease intrinsically if its end ceases; it ceases extrinsically when it is removed by the legislator. In addition, it can cease universally, that is, with respect to all, and particularly, that is, with respect to a particular person or a certain class of persons.

The modes by which a law can cease, besides cessation intrinsically, are assigned as abrogation, annulment, and dispensation. Custom and privilege can be added, but these will be treated under every respect. There will be no discussion of commutation of law, because the power of commuting a law is not usually given explicitly, nor is it annexed to the power of dispensing; nevertheless sometimes a privilege has been granted of commuting a law, for example, of the divine office.

How a law ceases

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