Part IV. THE PENAL PROCESS(Cann. 1717 - 1731)

CHAPTER I. The Preliminary Investigation

Can. 1717 §1. Whenever an ordinary has knowledge, which at least seems true, of a delict, he is carefully to inquire

personally or through another suitable person about the facts, circumstances, and imputability, unless such an

inquiry seems entirely superfluous.

§2. Care must be taken so that the good name of anyone is not endangered from this investigation.

§3. The person who conducts the investigation has the same powers and obligations as an auditor in the

process; the same person cannot act as a judge in the matter if a judicial process is initiated later.

Can. 1718 §1. When it seems that sufficient evidence has been collected, the ordinary is to decide:

1/ whether a process to inflict or declare a penalty can be initiated;

2/ whether, attentive to can. 1341, this is expedient;

3/ whether a judicial process must be used or, unless the law forbids it, whether the matter must proceed by

way of extrajudicial decree.

§2. The ordinary is to revoke or change the decree mentioned in §1 whenever new evidence indicates to him

that another decision is necessary.

§3. In issuing the decrees mentioned in §§1 and 2, the ordinary is to hear two judges or other experts of the

law if he considers it prudent.

§4. Before he makes a decision according to the norm of §1 and in order to avoid useless trials, the ordinary

is to examine carefully whether it is expedient for him or the investigator, with the consent of the parties, to resolve

equitably the question of damages.

Can. 1719 The acts of the investigation, the decrees of the ordinary which initiated and concluded the

investigation, and everything which preceded the investigation are to be kept in the secret archive of the curia if

they are not necessary for the penal process.