# Interpretation of Statutes — Foundational Concepts
## Interpretation
- The process by which courts seek to ascertain the meaning of the legislature through the words it has used
- Aims to find the real meaning of an Act/document and the intention of the legislature
- Resorted to in order to resolve ambiguity in a statute (i.e., find the true sense of words)
- Importance: Statute-making and interpretation take place separately — interpretation serves as the bridge of understanding between the two
## Construction
- Refers to determining the true meaning or intention of the framers
- Involves drawing conclusions beyond actual expressions used
- Done by referring to other parts of the enactment and the context in which the law was made
- Conclusions drawn are within the spirit of the law, though not necessarily within the letter of the law
## Interpretation vs Construction — Key Differences
| Aspect | Interpretation | Construction |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Plain meaning of words | True intent beyond words |
| When used | When language is plain | When meaning is NOT plain |
| Method | Ascertain meaning of words & true sense intended | Decide whether wording covers the situation; refer to context |
| Scope | Within the letter of the law | Within the spirit of the law |
> In practice, construction includes interpretation, and the terms are often used synonymously.
## Why Do We Need Interpretation/Construction?
| # | Reason |
|---|---|
| 1 | Legislators cannot foresee all contingencies at the time of passing the law |
| 2 | Words of a statute can be vague, ambiguous, or reasonably capable of more than one meaning |
| 3 | Interpretation must be commensurate with public benefit |
| 4 | Fundamental rule: statute should be expounded according to the intent of those who made it |
| 5 | If two constructions are possible — one mechanical/grammatical and one vibrant/in line with intent — the latter is preferred |