Guides: Statutory Interpretation Treatises: Introduction

Introductory Resources

Legislative Law and Process in a Nutshell by Jack Davies
Call Number: Reading Room Study Aids KF4933.Z9 D38

This study aid outlines the legislative process, from the drafting to the refining. The life of legislative law after enactment is also examined, including how agencies, local governments and businesses use statutes and how citizens, lawyers and courts adjust legislative words to fit life's realities. Legislative Law and Process in a Nutshell is also available online via West Academic Study Aids.

Sutherland Statutes and Statutory Construction by Norman J. Singer
First published over 100 years ago, this is the definitive treatise when it comes to statutory interpretation. Topics covered in this multi-volume treatise include, legislative power, legislative organization and procedure, and statutory interpretation. Research References in Chapter 46 is an extensive bibliography of articles that discuss the plain-meaning rule.

Legislation and Statutory Interpretation by William N. Eskridge, Philip P. Frickey & Elizabeth Garrett
Call Number: Reading Room Study Aids KF425 .E834

This treatise is an in-depth discussion of such topics as theories of legislation and representation, electoral and legislative structures, extrinsic sources for statutory interpretation, and substantive canons of statutory interpretation. Legislation and Statutory Interpretation is also available online via West Academic Study Aids.
The Theory and Practice of Statutory Interpretation by Frank B. Cross
Call Number: KF425 .C76

This book provides insights into the theory and practice of statutory interpretation by courts. By relying on empirical evidence from the Rehnquist Supreme Court, this treatise analyzes the disputes over various approaches to statutory interpretation. The Theory and Practice of Statutory Interpretation is also available as an ebook.