Statutory Interpretation: Overview, Principles, and Application

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STATUTORY
INTERPRETATION

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION.............................................................03
2. OVERVIEW OF INTERPRETATION ACT 1901......................03
3. PRINCIPLES AND RULES OF STATUTORY
INTERPRETATION..04
4. APPLICATION OF ABOVE DISCUSSED RULES OF STATUTORY
INTERPRETATION ON THE GIVEN LEGISLATION AND
EXAMINING EACH CLAIM OF VARIOUS PEOPLE...............06
5. CONCLUSION..................................................................07
6. REFERENCES..................................................................09

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INTRODUCTION
The work of the legislature is to make or legislate the laws as per the requirement of the
country. A legislation can be interpreted in many ways describing the various meanings.
Sometimes it become a challenge for judiciary to interpret the law in correct manner. The duty of
the interpreting the law is given to the judiciary. While interpreting any law it must be
considered that the interpretation should be in such a way so that it meets the objectives and
purpose of the act. There are various rules which a court can refer while interpreting a particular
law. In this project the interpretation of Victims of Violent Crime Compensation Scheme Act
2019 will be done by examining various claims which are claimed under this act. The various
rules of interpretation will be discussed here in this project by referring the Acts Interpretation
Act 1901.
MAIN BODY
Overview of Interpretation Act 1901
The Acts Interpretation Act 1901 is an act of Australia which has been enacted by the
Australian legislature in order to prescribe the rules regarding interpretation of Australian
Legislations. This act was enacted for the purpose so that the courts or anyone who have given
power regarding the interpretation of the Australian legislations can refer this act when any
confusion arises. There is a possibility that the language of a legislation is indicating the two
possible meaning. In these types of situations, it must be considered that which meaning of the
act is fulfilling the purpose for which the particular act was enacted1.
This Act Interpretation Act 1901 is divided among various chapters such as
Commencement, Repeal and Expiration, what material can be referred while interpreting an act
etc. as per the Section 15AA of this act which directs the courts regarding the interpretation of
the provisions of an act in such a manner that it gives effect to the purpose and policy for which
certain act or provision was enacted2.
1 James Steele, "Statutory Forebears: Legislative Evolution As A Means Of Statutory Interpretation"
(2017) 39(3) Statute Law Review
2 "Statutory Interpretation Saves Lesbian Instructor's Lawsuit" (2018) 18(11).