In interpreting a statute, which activity helps resolve conflicts between authorities?

In interpreting a statute, which activity helps resolve conflicts between authorities?

• A. Ignore all other authorities.
• B. Apply only the plain text.
• C. Resolve conflicts by analyzing controlling authorities and canons, then reconcile; conclude.
• D. Defer to the most recent decision regardless of reasoning.

Answer: (C)

When interpreting a statute, the right move is to identify the binding authorities for the jurisdiction and apply the canons of construction to interpret the language, then reconcile any conflicts and arrive at a conclusion. Start with controlling authorities—the rules that must govern the interpretation (usually the highest court decisions and controlling statutes). Then bring in canons of construction to guide how to read the text, structure, and purpose. If different authorities clash, you seek a harmonious reading that reconciles them; if reconciliation isn’t possible, you give effect to the controlling authority and explain how the other authorities fit within that framework. This approach preserves consistency, respects hierarchy, and reflects the intent behind the statute. Ignoring other authorities, relying only on plain text without context, or deferring to the most recent decision without weighing reasoning all undermine a careful, principled interpretation.

When interpreting a statute, the right move is to identify the binding authorities for the jurisdiction and apply the canons of construction to interpret the language, then reconcile any conflicts and arrive at a conclusion. Start with controlling authorities—the rules that must govern the interpretation (usually the highest court decisions and controlling statutes). Then bring in canons of construction to guide how to read the text, structure, and purpose. If different authorities clash, you seek a harmonious reading that reconciles them; if reconciliation isn’t possible, you give effect to the controlling authority and explain how the other authorities fit within that framework. This approach preserves consistency, respects hierarchy, and reflects the intent behind the statute. Ignoring other authorities, relying only on plain text without context, or deferring to the most recent decision without weighing reasoning all undermine a careful, principled interpretation.