Courts determine legislative intent—what lawmakers meant when they passed a law—by using a process called **statutory interpretation**. Here’s how courts typically approach it:
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### **1. Start with the Text (Plain Meaning Rule)**
Courts first look at the **language of the statute itself**:
* If the words are **clear and unambiguous**, courts often stop there and apply the law as written.
* They interpret the words in their **ordinary meaning**, unless the statute provides a specific definition.
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Example: If a statute says “vehicles are not allowed in the park,” courts will first consider what “vehicles” ordinarily means.
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### **2. Examine the Structure and Context**
Courts interpret words in the context of the:
* **Whole statute**
* **Surrounding provisions**
* **Title or preamble**
This is to ensure internal consistency and to avoid absurd or conflicting interpretations.
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### **3. Use Canons of Construction (Interpretive Principles)**
These are traditional rules that guide interpretation. Examples:
* **Ejusdem generis**: General words following specific ones are limited to the same kind.
* **Expressio unius est exclusio alterius**: Mentioning one thing implies exclusion of others.
* **Avoid absurd results**: Interpretations that produce unreasonable outcomes are disfavored.
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### **4. Look at Legislative History**
If the statute is ambiguous, courts may turn to the **legislative history**, including:
* **Committee reports**
* **Debates and speeches in the legislative record**
* **Draft versions of the bill**
* **Statements by sponsors or authors**
This helps clarify what lawmakers were trying to accomplish.
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### **5. Consider the Purpose and Policy of the Law**
Courts may interpret the law in light of its **overall purpose**, especially when:
* The text is unclear.
* There are competing interpretations.
They might ask: *What problem was the legislature trying to solve?*
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### **6. Deference to Agency Interpretation (if applicable)**
If a law is administered by a government agency (like the EPA or IRS), courts may give **Chevron deference** or **Skidmore deference** to the agency’s interpretation, depending on the situation.
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### **Example in Action:**
Suppose a statute says, “No person may carry a firearm in a public park,” but doesn’t define “firearm.” If someone is arrested with a BB gun, the court might:
* Look up the ordinary meaning of “firearm.”
* Check whether other parts of the statute include BB guns.
* Review legislative debates to see if lawmakers discussed BB guns.
* Consider whether including or excluding BB guns fits the law’s purpose (e.g., public safety).
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Let me know if you want a real-world case example or explanation of a specific interpretive method.