Library · Legal reference

Important Legal Definitions

Explore legal terms, clear definitions and practical examples.

← All definitions

Purposive Interpretation

Canons of Statutory Interpretation

Definition

A modern approach to statutory construction where courts interpret statutory text in light of the overarching purpose, objective, policy, and social goals that the legislature sought to achieve when enacting the law.

Example

In Workmen of American Express International Banking Corp. v. Management, the Supreme Court applied purposive interpretation to the Industrial Disputes Act, construing "continuous service" to include Sundays and public holidays to protect worker welfare.