This completely revised and updated edition reviews the theories and principles of statutory interpretation from the current appellate courts2 point of view. It continues the last edition2s systematic account and illustration of the rules, presumptions and techniques of statutory interpretation currently relied on by Canadian courts.

This Canadian textbook for both students and practitioners explains the principles governing the interpretation of statutes, how to resolve ambiguities, clarify obscurities and remove disharmonies. It does this by close examination of judicial decisions and sheds light on the process of reasoning used by the courts in arriving at their decisions.

New to English law? Need to know how rules are made, interpreted and applied? This popular and well-established textbook will show you how. It simplifies legal method by combining examples with an account of rules in general: the who, what, why and how of interpretation. Starting with standpoint and context, it identifies factors that give rise to doubts about the interpretation of a rule and recommends a systematic approach to analysing those factors. Questions and exercises integrated in the text and on the accompanying website will help you to develop skills in reading, interpreting and arguing about legal and other rules. The text is fully updated on developments in the legislative process and the judicial interpretation of statutes and precedent. It includes a new chapter on 'The European Dimension' reflecting the changes brought about by the Human Rights Act 1998.