To derogate from a law is to take away part of it; to abrogate a law is to abolish it entirely.

Explanation

The distinction matters: partial repeal preserves the remainder; total abrogation eliminates the whole — government officers who exceed their authority abrogate the trust that created their office.

Where this applies

• Is this new law repealing just part of the old one or all of it?
• A bill modifies section 3 of an existing statute — does the rest still apply?

See also

• 6.8.5 Whose it is to institute, his it is also to abrogate.