Statutory Interpretation

1. Introduction to Statutory InterpretationHistory and evolution of statutory interpretationThe role of the judiciary in interpreting legislationPractical outcome of this bookStructure of this bookGuidelines for interpretation of this book2. Creation of LegislationLegislative powerDrafting stylesPlain English draftingDrafting conventionsThe political dimensionParliamentary proceduresLegislation exampleConclusion3. Interpretation LegislationGenderAgeNumberDistanceTimeMeaning of ‘may’ and ‘shall’CommencementAmendmentRepealInvalidity4. Context and PurposeContextPurpose5. Intention and Interpretive TechniquesIntentionInterpretive techniques6. Intrinsic Materials: Statute ComponentsLong titleShort titlePreambleObjects clauseDefinition sectionsHeadingsSchedulesNotesPunctuationExamplesPenalties7. Intrinsic Materials: The TextAll words have meaningOrdinarily, the meaning is the ordinary meaningA technical or legal meaning may be usedCurrent meaningDictionary meaningConsistent meaning across an ActVariants of wordsLimiting wordsHendiadysTemporal expressionsCommon words and expressionsWhat if the intrinsic materials are inconsistent, or in conflict with one another?8. Extrinsic MaterialsUsing extrinsic materials to interpret textUsing extrinsic materials for context and purposeCommon law approach to use of extrinsic materialsWhich extrinsic materials can be used?Proliferation and limits9. Traditional Common Law ApproachesCommon law and statutesTraditional common law approachesLiteral ruleGolden ruleMischief ruleLatin maxims10. Statutory PresumptionsLegislation does not have extraterritorial effectLegislation does not take jurisdiction away from the courtsLegislation does not bind the CrownPenal provisions are strictly construedRemedial or beneficial provisions are broadly construedTaxation provisions construed to the taxpayer’s benefitLegislation enacting a word or phrase approves of its common law interpretationLegislation does not operate retrospectivelyLegislation does not remove property rightsOther statutory presumptions11. Fundamental and Human RightsNon-interference with fundamental rightsWhat is a fundamental right?Principle of legalityPractical applicationHuman rightsThe Australian Capital Territory approachThe Victorian approach12. International Law in Statutory InterpretationLegislative conformity with international lawSources of international lawInternational treatiesCustomary international lawGeneral principles of law13. Interpreting Specific InstrumentsDelegated or subordinate legislationCodesQuasi-legislative bodies and ‘soft’ lawConstitutionOther documents14. A Synthesis: Practical Skills and ExercisesStatutory Interpretation Index 1 (‘SII2’)Practical MethodologyPractical Exercise A: Criminal lawPractical Exercise B: Tort lawPractical Exercise C: Contract lawPractical Exercise D: Property lawFurther ReadingIndex