Reading the Law
How Statutes Mean What They Say and Why It Matters
Most people assume laws mean what they plainly say. But statutes are written in language, and language is inherently ambiguous. When courts interpret statutes, they're not simply reading off obvious meanings—they're making choices that reshape how laws apply to real situations. This book explores the philosophy and practice of statutory construction: the methods judges use to determine what written laws actually mean. You'll discover why the same statute can support opposite conclusions, how legislative history influences interpretation, what "plain meaning" really means, and why different interpretive philosophies lead to different outcomes. Whether you're studying law, working in the legal field, or simply curious about how the legal system actually works, this book reveals the interpretive reasoning that lies beneath every court decision. Understanding statutory construction transforms how you read laws and recognize the human judgment embedded in legal interpretation.
Est. Length
191 pages (10 chapters)
Language
English
Publication date
Jul 9, 2026
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