what are some examples of statutory interpretation?

Question

what are some examples of statutory interpretation?? I'm confused by the meaning and i need an example please and thank you?

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Answer 1

Statutes are generally broad laws -- and like any broad statement, is sometimes difficult to figure out how it might apply to particular situations.

Example: a statute makes it illegal to break into a home at night (classic burglary offense).

What does "at night" mean -- is it as soon as the sun goes down and until the sun is visible again -- or does it not include the period when the sky is pretty much light (at least as light as a cloudy day). That ambiguity needs to be interpreted by the courts.

Another example: The constitution guarantees free speech -- but does it guarantee free cell phone conversations -- text messaging -- internet posting -- chat group conversations -- are those "speech"? That needs to be interpreted.

Those are simple examples -- but the concept is that very often, the text of a statute does not cover all the fuzzy areas -- and thus, there is the need to interpret the statute.