Abstract
This chapter will introduce the building blocks underlying statutory interpretationStatutory Interpretation in American jurisprudence: the sources of evidence American judges use to find the meaning of statutory language and the theories of interpretation American judges use when approaching an interpretation question. While at first glance this chapter may seem to be one designed for academics and theorists who argue about which theory is best, it is also designed for lawyers. Grasping the building blocks of statutory interpretationStatutory Interpretation is essential for anyone wishing to make statutory arguments in an American court. Theory matters, but it matters in unusual ways. The sources and theories enable lawyers to “talk the talk”, so to speak. Lawyers do not win cases simply because they argue text to a textualist judge or purpose to a purposivist judge, but a textualist judge will listen more carefully to textual arguments, while a purposivist judge will want to know the statutory purpose. Finally, theory impacts the legislative process, from drafting to enactment; thus, this chapter will examine the role legislative history has had both now and in the past.