Terms Related to the Interpretation of Statutes

Question 1

Canons of Construction

Answer 1

Canons of construction are a body of rules or maxims which indicate the appropriate meaning or interpretation of statutes or written instruments.

Question 2

Plain Meaning Rule

Answer 2

The “plain meaning rule” is a rule of construction which states that words should be interpreted using their ordinary or plain meaning.

Question 3

Statutes in Pari Materia

Answer 3

Two or more statutes which must be construed together because they relate to the same subject are said to be in pari materia.

Question 4

Legislative History

Answer 4

The process or result of research in the documentary records of the legislature as they relate to the drafting, analysis and passage of law or rejection of a proposed law is called the “legislative history.”

Question 5

Legislative Intent

Answer 5

After analyzing the legislative history of a particular statute, a court attempts to determine the intent of the legislature for passing the statute in question, so that the judge may apply the statute to the case at hand as intended by the legislators.