Templates & Worksheets

3. Template 3.1 – Statutory Interpretation Worksheet (Module 3)

Use this for workshop exercises and for any piece of work involving detailed analysis of legislation.

A. Provision and Context

1.     Statute / instrument (full title and year):

2.     Section(s) or article(s) under consideration:

3.     Brief description of the legal context (what area of law / problem does this relate to?):

B. Text of the Provision

Copy or summarise the relevant text (or attach separately) and highlight key terms:

C. Breakdown into Elements

Identify the elements or conditions in the provision:

1.     Element 1 (e.g. conduct requirement):

2.     Element 2 (e.g. mental element, circumstances):

3.     Element 3 (e.g. defences or exceptions):

D. Internal Aids

List any internal aids that assist with interpretation:

·        Definitions section references:

·        Long/short title:

·        Preamble, if present:

·        Headings / sub‑headings:

·        Schedules:

E. External Aids (if applicable)

Note any external materials consulted:

·        Parliamentary debates / explanatory notes (with references):

·        Law reform commission reports:

·        International instruments being implemented:

·        Relevant case law interpreting this or similar provisions:

F. Interpretative Approaches

For any ambiguous or contested terms, record how different interpretative approaches might apply:

·        Literal approach – ordinary meaning:

·        Golden rule – would literal meaning lead to absurdity? If so, how might it be modified?

·        Mischief rule – what problem was the legislation intended to cure? How does that inform interpretation?

·        Purposive approach – what is the wider purpose of the statute or scheme? How should the provision be read to advance that purpose?

G. Application to Facts (Hypothetical or Real)

If you have a factual scenario:

1.     Briefly state the key facts:

2.     Apply each element of the provision to the facts, step by step:

·        Element 1:

·        Element 2:

·        Element 3:

3.     Identify any uncertainties or alternative interpretations and how a court might resolve them:

H. Provisional Conclusion

State, with reasons, your provisional conclusion on how the provision should be interpreted and applied to the facts: