Modern Statutory Interpretation

This book is designed to teach statutory interpretation as a lawyering process. It uses a combination of traditional cases along with problems to accomplish that objective. Broadly organized around the process of interpretation, it focuses first on the plain meaning of the text and then addresses the question of whether and, if so, when courts will examine sources other than the text for meaning. The book then addresses the various approaches and theories to interpretation and examines how those approaches have been applied to particular interpretative problems, such as implied rights, administrative interpretations, and the interpretation of “uniform statutes.”

Within each chapter, subjects are introduced with concise summaries of core concepts. After that introduction, a well-edited case explores the uncertainties and boundaries of those core concepts. The notes and questions following each principal case are designed to help focus — before class — the students’ thoughts and understanding of the case and the concepts it raises, including the broader implications. Finally, problems are included for key subjects to ensure that the students learn statutory interpretation skills. Each problem lends itself to at least two arguments (and usually more) and relies upon and requires further inquiry into the concepts in the chapter.