> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://jennyrice.gitbook.io/wrd-418-legal-writing/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://jennyrice.gitbook.io/wrd-418-legal-writing/chapter-3-statutory-analysis-and-application/canons-of-construction.md).

# Canons of Construction

## <mark style="color:blue;">1. What are Canons of Construction?</mark>

When judges and lawyers read statutes, they often run into tricky questions:

* &#x20;What does this word *really* mean?&#x20;
* How are we supposed to interpret the meaning of this rule?&#x20;
* Does this situation fit into the meaning of this statute?&#x20;

To help answer those questions, the legal world has developed canons of construction, which are different schemas for interpreting statutes. Put simply, canons of construction are interpretive lenses that help you argue why your reading of a statute is the most reasonable.&#x20;

It's important to remember that courts often use more than one canon, and sometimes they even point in different directions. Part of your job in legal writing is showing why *this* canon makes more sense for understanding a statute or legal rule.&#x20;

## <mark style="color:blue;">2. Some Common Canons of Construction</mark>

### Interpretive technique 1: “Plain Meaning”&#x20;

### Interpretive technique 2: “Original Intent and Evolution”&#x20;

### Interpretive technique 3: “Context, purpose, principles” &#x20;

### Interpretive technique 4: “Interpretation v. Construction”&#x20;

<br>

\ <br>

<br>