## Illustrations as an Internal Aid

Illustrations are examples appended to a section to clarify how it operates.

### Key Points

Illustrations are inserted to clarify the scope and object of the section.
They follow the text of the section but do not form a part of the Section itself.
However, they do form a part of the statute and are therefore of relevance and value in construing the section.
Illustrations cannot modify or override the section.

### Conflict Rule

If there is a conflict between the section and an illustration:

The section prevails.
The illustration must yield because the substantive law is in the section.

Worked example

### Example 1

Hypothetical: A section states that 'a contract entered into by a minor is void'. An illustration shows a minor purchasing a bicycle, suggesting the contract is voidable. Since the section says 'void' and the illustration suggests 'voidable', the section prevails and the contract is treated as void.

⚠️ Common exam mistakes

Treating illustrations as binding statutory text equivalent to the section itself.
Allowing an illustration to modify or expand the operative section when the two conflict.
Ignoring illustrations altogether — they are valid aids even though subordinate to the section.

Reference:

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Internal Aid: Illustrations

Worked example

⚠️ Common exam mistakes