Effects of statutory interpretation
The court makes law
Statutory interpretation creates precedent, and therefore becomes binding on lower courts in the same court hierarchy when future cases require examination of the same legislation.
Expansion of law
A broad interpretation of words or clauses in an Act may extend the law to situations that the legislation previously did not cover.
Restriction of law
A narrow interpretation of words or clauses in a statute may restrict the law so that it only covers certain situations.
See also:
Reasons for statutory interpretation
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