What are “grounds” for an annulment?
The “grounds”, or proposed reasons as to why a union might be declared null, are selected based upon the particular circumstances of each case. These grounds will be formulated by tribunal officials in a “joinder-of-issue”statement which serves to guide in the collection and study of evidence leading to the final judgment. The fact that grounds have been proposed will not automatically result in an affirmative declaration of nullity. The grounds utilized have to be from among those recognized in canon law. And, an affirmative outcome requires that the facts of the particular case be judged in concert with the canonical understanding of the grounds utilized. A brief description of the canonical grounds which might be utilized follows: • Insufficient use of reason: At least one contractant’s inability to know what was happening during the wedding ceremony because of insanity or diminished consciousness due to alcohol, drugs, etc. • Grave lack of discretion of judgment: One or both partie
