Statutory Interpretation

Quick Info
(2930.03)  Course
Instructor(s)
B. Kettles, A. Porter, and D. Montgomery; Adjunct Professors
Fall
3 credit(s)  3 hour(s);
Presentation
Lectures, discussion.
Upper Year Research & Writing Requirement
No
Praxicum
No

This course will: (a) introduce students to statutory language; and (b) give students the opportunity to develop practical skills in the interpretation and application of statutory provisions. Various topics will be discussed, including:
 
1.        Judicial approaches to statutory interpretation;
2.        Interpretive Theory;
3.        The nature of “legislative intent”;
4.        Maxims and Rules of Interpretation, both common law and statutory;
5.        Interpretive Presumptions;
6.        Judicial notice;
7.        Practical considerations in legislative drafting; and
7.        Evidence of legislative intent.
 
The overall emphasis is on the language of the law and the practical application of statutory language and concepts.

Method of Evaluation: 60% Take-Home Examination, 25% In-Class Presentation, 15% Class Participation.