In canon law, what can an appeal do to the original decision?

• A. It immediately nullifies the original decision.
• B. It suspends the original decision in all cases.
• C. It has no effect on the original decision.
• D. It can suspend the original decision in some cases.

Answer: (D)

An appeal challenges what the decision decided, but it doesn’t automatically erase that decision. In canon law, the execution or effects of a judgment can be put on hold during the appeal if the law or the appellate authority grants a stay. This suspension is conditional and depends on the case and the rules governing it; it may be allowed to prevent irreparable harm or prejudice while the appeal is being considered. So an appeal can suspend the original decision in some cases, while in other situations the decision remains in force until the appeal is resolved.