Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Statutory Interpretation*
When interpreting a statutes meaning, adjudicators consider
some or all of the following:
1. The plain language of the statutory section at issue;
2. The statutory scheme as a whole, including:
(a) Any definition sections of the statute that define key
terms;
(b) The title or any preamble that might indicate the
statutes purpose;
(c) The remaining sections of the statute to evaluate how
the sections might interrelate;
3. The legislative history, if any, to determine the legislative
purpose;
4. Any canons of construction that might help the court
interpret the statutory language (e.g., that exceptions are to
be narrowly construed, undefined terms generally are
assigned their common meanings, and individual provisions
are interpreted consistent with the overall statutory scheme);
Headings:
Memorandum (centered)
Question Presented
Short Answer
Statement of Facts
Discussion
Conclusion