A Level Law Practice Exam

Which of the following is considered an intrinsic aid to statutory interpretation?

1. The short and long title of the statute

2. International treaties

3. Parliamentary debates

4. Law reform reports

The correct answer is: The short and long title of the statute

The short and long title of a statute serves as an intrinsic aid to statutory interpretation because they are part of the statute itself and provide context about its purpose and scope. The short title often gives a summary of what the legislation is about, while the long title can detail the intentions and areas of focus addressed by the legislation. This internal information aids judges and legal practitioners in understanding the legislative intent when interpreting the provisions of the statute. In contrast, international treaties, parliamentary debates, and law reform reports are considered extrinsic aids because they lie outside the statute itself and are not part of the legislative text. They can be helpful in elucidating the law's context or providing insight into the legislative process, but they do not hold the same inherent authority or immediate relevance as the titles of the statute. Thus, the reliance on the short and long titles as guides for interpretation highlights their role as intrinsic aids.