The new code made a clear departure from "Kyuba no michi" (the spirit of samurai) mentioned in the previous Buke Shohatto issued in the Genna era, indicating the bakufu's intention of establishing public order through the courtesy based upon loyalty to one's master and filial piety (in addition, the appeasement of Matsugo yoshi no kin (ban on adoption as a son on one's deathbed), which had been adopted in the age of Ietsuna, was clearly stated).
従来の元和(日本)の武家諸法度に記載されていた「弓馬の道｣から大きく内容を変え、主君に対する忠と父祖に対する孝を基盤とした礼儀による秩序を構築するものであった（また、家綱の頃に採用された末期養子の禁の緩和が明記された）。