Abrogation

Abrogation is a term of Canon Law, which means the entire, as distinguished from the partial change of an existing law—e.g. the papal decrets as to clandestine marriage were abrogated by the Council of Trent. The term is used popularly as the equivalent of repeal, whether by statute or contrary usage; and in England technically for the annulling of an order issued by a subordinate legislative authority. The Canon Law recognised the principle of abrogation by non-usage, especially where circumstances changed; thus a canon passed in times of schism might not be enforced when the schism had been suppressed. See DESUETUDE, STATUTE.