Purpose and Context in Statutory Interpretation

Abstract

In Australia, the twenty-five year period from 1980 has been a significant one for the development of general principles of statutory interpretation. A notable feature of this period has been the parliaments' contributions to the development of interpretive processes. Legislative provisions now direct courts, tribunals and others as to how to go about interpreting statutes and delegated legislation. Another feature of the period has been that when interpreting legislation, courts and tribunals have become increasingly willing to articulate the general interpretive principles on which their reasoning is based. Senior members of the judiciary have also spoken and written about statutory interpretation to a greater extent than previously. The contributions of the courts, tribunals and judges have been prompted in part by the activities of the legislatures, but they also exemplify a greater preparedness to discuss their decision-making methods.