Craies' Statute Law sets forth in a methodical way the rules in force for the interpretation of British Statutes, domestic and overseas, and explains their effect and operation.
The drafting of statutes. Authentication and citation. Classification of statutes. Construction where the meaning is plain. Construction where the meaning is not plain. What may and what may not be implied if the meaning is not plain. What sources of information outside a statute may be used for throwing light upon its meaning. Interpretation of words. Effect of one part of a statute upon the construction of the other parts. Effect of statutes creating duties. Enabling acts. Delegated legislation. Effect of statutes on common law and equity. Effect on earlier enactments. Commencement and duration of effect of statutes. Effect of statutes on the Crown. Territorial effect of British statutes. The legislation of dominions, colonies, protectorates and mandated territories. Mistakes in statutes. Definition and construction of penal acts. Effect of penal statutes. Nature and construction of private acts. Effect of private acts.