Delaware § 102 - Applicability to offenses committed prior to July 1, 1973.
Full text of Delaware Delaware Code § 102 — Applicability to offenses committed prior to July 1, 1973., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 102. Applicability to offenses committed prior to July 1, 1973.
(a) Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c) of this section, this Criminal Code does not apply to offenses committed prior to July 1, 1973. Prosecutions for offenses committed prior to July 1, 1973, shall be governed by the prior law, which is continued in effect for that purpose, as if this Criminal Code were not in force. For the purpose of this section, an offense was committed prior to July 1, 1973, if any of the elements of the offense occurred prior thereto.
(b) In any case pending on or commenced after July 1, 1973, involving an offense committed prior to that date:
(1) Procedural provisions of this Criminal Code shall govern, insofar as they are justly applicable and their applicability does not introduce confusion, delay or manifest injustice;
(2) Provisions of this Criminal Code according a defense or mitigations shall apply, with the consent of the defendant.
(c) Provisions of this Criminal Code governing the treatment and the release or discharge of prisoners, probationers and parolees shall apply to persons under sentence for offenses committed prior to July 1, 1973, except that the minimum or maximum period of their detention or supervision shall in no case be increased, nor shall this Criminal Code affect the substantive or procedural validity of any judgment of conviction entered prior to July 1, 1973, regardless of the fact that appeal time has not run or that an appeal is pending.
11 Del. C. 1953, § 102; 58 Del. Laws, c. 497, § 1;Source: official Delaware text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Delaware § 102
What does Delaware Code § 102 cover?
Section 102 ("Applicability to offenses committed prior to July 1, 1973.") is part of the Delaware Code, the codified statutory law of Delaware. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Delaware § 102?
A common citation format is "Delaware Code § 102" (Delaware). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Delaware law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Delaware official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Delaware attorney.
How does Delaware § 102 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Delaware can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Delaware.