Dictionary
A modern dictionary of Catholic terms, both common and obscure. Find accurate definitions of words and phrases.
NULLITY
A decree or judgment by a competent ecclesiastical court that a reputed marriage is invalid and hence no marriage was contracted in the first place. Even when entered in good faith, an invalid marriage requires that it be dissolved or regulated by revalidation. The chief ground for nullity is the proved absence of free consent to enter a permanent marital union according to the teaching of the Catholic Church. Since the Second Vatican Council, local bishops have been given jurisdiction over many nullity cases previously reserved to the Holy See (Etym. Latin nullus, none, not any.)
All items in this dictionary are from Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.
