Introduction to Statutory Interpretation

Statutory interpretation is the process courts use to understand the meaning of legislations. Judges interpret statutes to apply the law consistently with legislative intent and principles of justice.

Textualism focuses on the statute's plain text. Advocated by Justice Scalia, it argues for understanding the law based solely on the words themselves, as they were understood at enactment.

Purposivism considers the law's purpose. This approach looks beyond the text to the broader objectives intended by lawmakers, often using legislative history to discern meaning.

Originating from Heydon's Case (1584), the mischief rule asks what 'mischief' the statute was intended to prevent, giving judges the power to enforce the remedy the statute intended.

The Latin term 'ejusdem generis' means 'of the same kind.' This legal principle limits general words, which follow specific ones, to things of the same kind as the specifics.

The Golden Rule is used when literal interpretation results in absurdity. It allows judges to depart from a statute's normal meaning to avoid outcomes that defy logic or moral expectations.

Dynamic interpretation evolves legal application as society changes. This view contends that the meaning of a statute may grow to address contemporary issues not envisaged by its original drafters.