Canon 1498

1. Laws are authentically interpreted by the legislator and by

the one to whom the legislator had granted the power to interpret

them authentically. 2. An authentic interpretation communicated in the form of a law has the same force as the law itself and

must be promulgated. Furthermore, if such an interpretation

merely declares what was certain in the words of the law in themselves, it has retroactive force; if it restricts or extends the

law or if it explains a doubtful law, it is not retroactive. 3.

However, an interpretation contained in a judicial sentence or an

administrative act in a particular matter does not have the force

of law and binds only the persons and affects only those matters

for which it was given.