When interpreting a statute, judges may use both intrinsic (internal) and extrinsic (external) aids to help them understand the meaning and purpose of the law.
Intrinsic Aids
Intrinsic aids to interpretation are the tools or materials found within the statute itself that can help in interpreting the meaning and purpose of a particular provision or section of the statute. Some of the intrinsic aids commonly used in statutory interpretation include the following:
- Preamble: A preamble is an introductory statement or explanation that appears at the beginning of some statutes. The purpose of a preamble is to provide context and background information about the purpose and intent of the statute. Courts may refer to the preamble to help interpret the meaning and scope of the provisions in the statute.
- Long and short titles: Every statute has a title that appears at the top of the document. The long title is a more detailed description of the purpose of the statute, while the short title is a more concise version of the same. These titles can provide insight into the purpose and scope of the statute and can be used as an aid in interpreting the meaning of the provisions within it.
- Headings: Headings are titles or labels given to specific sections or provisions within the statute. They provide a brief summary of what the section is about, and can be used to help interpret the meaning of the provisions within the section.
- Schedules: A schedule is a list or table attached to a statute that provides additional information or details about the provisions within the statute. Schedules can provide additional context and information that can help in interpreting the provisions within the statute.
- Marginal notes: Marginal notes are brief summaries or comments that appear in the margins of the statute beside specific sections or provisions. They provide a brief overview of the content of the section and can be used as an aid in interpreting the meaning of the provisions within it.
- Interpretation sections: Many statutes contain sections that provide definitions of key terms or phrases used within the statute. These sections can help in interpreting the meaning of the provisions within the statute by providing a clear definition of the terms used within the statute.
Extrinsic Aids
Extrinsic aids to interpretation are the tools or materials found outside the statute itself that can help in interpreting the meaning and purpose of a particular provision or section of the statute. Some of the extrinsic aids commonly used in statutory interpretation include the following:
- Previous Acts on the same topic: Previous Acts on the same or similar topic can provide insight into the intent and purpose of the current statute. Courts may refer to previous Acts to understand the evolution of the law and to help interpret the meaning of provisions within the current statute.
- Earlier case law: Earlier case law on the same or similar topic can provide guidance on how the courts have previously interpreted similar provisions within other statutes. Courts may refer to earlier case law to help interpret the meaning and scope of provisions within the current statute.
- The historical setting: The historical context surrounding the enactment of the statute can provide insight into the intent and purpose of the statute. Courts may consider the historical setting, including the social, economic, and political conditions at the time the statute was enacted, to help interpret the meaning and purpose of the statute.
- Dictionaries of the time: Dictionaries of the time the statute was enacted can provide insight into the meaning and usage of words at that time. Courts may refer to contemporary dictionaries to help interpret the meaning of words and phrases used within the statute.
- Hansard: Hansard is the official record of debates in Parliament. It can provide insight into the legislative intent and purpose behind the statute. Courts may refer to Hansard to help interpret the meaning and scope of provisions within the statute.
- Reports of law reform bodies: Reports of law reform bodies, such as the Law Commission or other expert committees, can provide insight into the problems or issues the statute was intended to address. Courts may refer to these reports to help interpret the meaning and purpose of the statute.
- International treaties: International treaties to which the country is a signatory can provide guidance on the interpretation and application of provisions within the statute. Courts may refer to international treaties to help interpret the meaning and scope of provisions within the statute.
In practice, judges may use a combination of internal and external aids to arrive at the most appropriate interpretation of a statute. The specific aids used will depend on the particular context and circumstances of the case.
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