Introduction to Interpretation of Statutes

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Description
The importance of this subject within the framework of legal studies cannot be over-emphasised. The courts have to administer justice according to law. The chief source of law is legislation. The other sources are precedents and customs. Every source of law finds its expression in a language. A language is the property of the people and not that of law, though some words may acquire special legal meaning and may become a part of the legal terminology. But by far, a great bulk of words used in a legal draft belongs to the ordinary language. What meaning is to be given to a word used in a legislation, custom or precedent or in a private deed or will? Even the dictionary does not give the clear meaning of a word. It gives several alternative meanings applicable in different contexts and for different purposes so that no clear field for the application of a word can be identified. As long as expression of meaning-takes place uniformly, the law will develop along healthy lines. But if one judge takes the narrow view and another, a broad view, the law will mean different things to different-persons and soon there will be a race for window shopping for justice. Hence, it is necessary that there should be some rules of interpretation to ensure just and uniform decisions. Such rules are called the rules of interpretation. They are the subject-matter of this brief introductory work.
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Contents
1.    Introduction & Basic Principles
2.    Internal aids to Construction
3.    External aids to Construction
4.    Subsidiary Rules of Interpretation
5.    Operation of Statutes
6.    Statutes Affecting the Crown or the State
7.    Statutes Affecting Jurisdiction of Courts
8.    Expiry and Repeal of Statutes
9.    Strict Construction of Taxing Statutes
10.  Remedial and Penal Statutes
11.  Delegated Legislation
Appendix - The General Clauses Act, 1897
Subject Index
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Author Details
Dr. Avtar Singh, B.Com., LL.M., LLD. (Luck)
Vidya Bhushan (Hindi Sansthan, Up), Ex Reader in Law, Lucknow University,
Ex Professor of Business Laws, IIM, Lucknow
Harpreet Kaur, MSc. LL.B., Advocate