STATUTORY CONSTRUCTION OUTLINE

Plain meaning of the text
o Dictionary definition
o Colloquial usage
o Technical definition
o Rules of grammar
o Scrivener’s error doctrine
o Absurdity doctrine

Legislative Sources
o Bill title
o Bill preamble
o Legislative history
o Legislative acquiescence
o Conflicting statutes & implied repeal

Textual canons
o The Rule against Surplusage
o Noscitur a sociis
o Ejusdem Generis
o Expressio Unius
o Identical Words Presumption
o In Pari Materia

Substantive canons
o Constitutional Avoidance Doctrine
o Rule of Lenity