Code_of_Canon_Law

§2 For a singular decree to be enforceable, it must be made known by a lawful document in
accordance with the law.
Can. 55 Without prejudice to cann. 37 and 51, whenever a very grave reason prevents the
handing over of the written text of a decree, the decree is deemed to have been made known if it
is read to the person to whom it is directed, in the presence of a notary or two witnesses- a record
of the occasion is to be drawn up and signed by all present.
Can. 56 A decree is deemed to have been made known if the person to whom it is directed has
been duly summoned to receive or to hear the decree, and without a just reason has not appeared
or has refused to sign.
Can. 57 §1 Whenever the law orders a decree to be issued, or when a person who is concerned
lawfully requests a decree or has recourse to obtain one, the competent authority is to provide for
the situation within three months of having received the petition or recourse, unless a different
period of time is prescribed by law.
§2 If this period of time has expired and the decree has not yet been given, then as far as
proposing a further recourse is concerned, the reply is presumed to be negative.
§3 A presumed negative reply does not relieve the competent authority of the obligation of
issuing the decree, and, in accordance with can. 128, of repairing any harm done.
Can. 58 §1 A singular decree ceases to have force when it is lawfully revoked by the competent
authority, or when the law ceases for whose execution it was issued.
§2 A singular precept, which was not imposed by a lawful document, ceases on the expiry of the
authority of the person who issued it.
CHAPTER III : RESCRIPTS
Can. 59 §1 A rescript is an administrative act issued in writing by a competent authority, by
which of its very nature a privilege, dispensation or other favour is granted at someone’s request.
§2 Unless it is otherwise established, provisions laid down concerning rescripts apply also to the
granting of permission and to the granting of favours by word of mouth.
Can. 60 Any rescript can be obtained by all who are not expressly prohibited.
Can. 61 Unless it is otherwise established, a rescript can be obtained for another, even without
that person’s consent, and it is valid before its acceptance, without prejudice to contrary clauses.
Can. 62 A rescript in which there is no executor, has effect from the moment the document was
issued; the others have effect from the moment of execution.