§ 1503 — Applicability of colonial law

(a) English law.--The common law and such of the statutes of England as were in force in the Province of Pennsylvania on May 14, 1776 and which were properly adapted to the circumstances of the inhabitants of this Commonwealth shall be deemed to have been in force in this Commonwealth from and after February 10, 1777.

(b) Provincial statutes.--The statutes enacted on or before May 14, 1776 under the authority of the late Proprietaries of the Province of Pennsylvania have the same validity and effect as statutes enacted under the authority of this Commonwealth.

(c) Exceptions.--The rules specified in subsections (a) and (b) of this section shall not be applicable to any statute or law which:

(1) has been heretofore or is hereafter amended or repealed or which has expired by its own limitation;

(2) orders the taking or subscribing any oath, affirmation or declaration of allegiance or fidelity to the British crown;

(3) acknowledges any authority in the heirs or devisees of William Penn, Esq., deceased, the former Governor of the Province of Pennsylvania, or any other person whomsoever as Governor of the Province of Pennsylvania; or

(4) is repugnant to the Constitution of this Commonwealth or of the United States.