Mastering Statutory Interpretation » (1st Edition)

Linda Jellum is an assistant professor at Mercer University School of Law.

Mastering Statutory Interpretation explains the methods of interpreting statutes, including a discussion of the various theories and canons of interpretation. The book begins by exploring these theories and identifying the sources of meaning the theorists use to interpret statutes, including intrinsic, extrinsic, and policy-based. Throughout, the text uses the major cases in each area of study to explain how the canons work in practice. Finally, each chapter provides a concise roadmap and summary to introduce and encapsulate the most important material. This book is part of the Carolina Academic Press Mastering Series edited by Russell L. Weaver, University of Louisville School of Law.

Table of Cases

Ch. 1 Preliminary Matters 3

Ch. 2 The Art of Statutory Interpretation: Sources & Theories 11

Ch. 3 The Legislative Process 41

Ch. 4 Canons Based on Intrinsic Sources: The Words 61

Ch. 5 Canons Based on Intrinsic Sources: Grammar & Punctuation 81

Ch. 6 Canons Based on Intrinsic Sources: The Linguistic Canons 95

Ch. 7 Canons Based on Intrinsic Sources: The Components 115

Ch. 8 Canons Based on Extrinsic Sources & Legislative Process: Timing 139

Ch. 9 Canons Based on Extrinsic Sources & Legislative Process: Enactment Context 159

Ch. 10 Canons Based on Extrinsic Sources & Legislative Process: Post-Enactment Context 191

Ch. 11 Canons Based on Extrinsic Sources & Legislative Process: Agency Interpretation 207

Ch. 12 Canons Based on Policy-Based Considerations: Constitutional & Prudential 231

Conclusion 259

Master Checklist 263

App. A Selected Bibliography 265

App. B Glossary 269

App. C Where to Find Federal Legislative History On-Line 275

App. D House Bill 916 281

App. E Companion Senate Bill to H.R. 916 287

App. F Senate Report 110-051 293

Index 299