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"Statutory Interpretation in Australia" by Dennis Charles Pearce and Robert S. Geddes is a seminal work in the field of Australian law, providing a comprehensive guide to the principles and practices of statutory interpretation. Here is a detailed overview of the book, including key themes, plot summary, and critical reception:

Key Themes

  1. Principles of Statutory Interpretation: The book delves into the foundational principles of statutory interpretation, including the role of legislative intention, the importance of legislative drafting conventions, and the application of common law traditions in defining the boundaries between judicial and legislative functions.

  2. Historical and Jurisprudential Context: It provides an historical and jurisprudential context to statutory interpretation, tracing the evolution of approaches since significant cases like Breen.

  3. Extrinsic and Intrinsic Aids: The book examines both extrinsic (external aids like legislative history and extrinsic materials) and intrinsic (internal aids like the text of the statute itself) methods of interpretation, highlighting their relevance in different contexts.

  4. Drafting Conventions and Expressions: It discusses various drafting conventions and expressions used in legislation, providing insights into how these conventions influence interpretation.

  5. Retrospective Legislation: The book also addresses the complexities of retrospective legislation, considering how statutes can operate retrospectively and the implications for interpretation.

Plot Summary

The book is structured into 12 chapters, each focusing on a specific aspect of statutory interpretation. Here is a brief summary of the key chapters:

  1. Introduction: Sets out introductory principles, including how courts embark on the task of statutory interpretation and an overview of legislative drafting conventions.

  2. Historical and Jurisprudential Context: Explores the historical development of statutory interpretation in Australia, including significant jurisprudential shifts.

  3. Extrinsic and Intrinsic Aids: Examines both extrinsic and intrinsic aids to interpretation, providing practical guidance on their application.

  4. Drafting Conventions and Expressions: Discusses various drafting conventions and expressions used in legislation, highlighting their impact on interpretation.

  5. Retrospective Legislation: Addresses the complexities of retrospective legislation, including how statutes can operate retrospectively and the implications for interpretation.

  6. Case Law and Statute References: Includes detailed references to case law and statutes, making it a valuable resource for both law students and professionals.

Critical Reception

"Statutory Interpretation in Australia" has been widely acclaimed for its comprehensive and practical approach to the subject. Here are some key points from critical reception:

  1. Indispensable Resource: The book has built a reputation as an indispensable resource for Australian courts and legal practitioners. It is frequently referenced in case law, with over 1600 references before the first edition was published.

  2. Comprehensive Guide: The text is described as a remarkably inclusive guide to statutory interpretation, providing a detailed contents list, tables of cases and statutes, and an index.

  3. Supportive References: The work is well-supported with references to both case law and statute, making it a fundamental reference work for both law students and professionals.

  4. Continuous Updates: The authors have committed to including updates in subsequent editions, reflecting the dynamic nature of statutory interpretation in Australia.

In summary, "Statutory Interpretation in Australia" by Dennis Charles Pearce and Robert S. Geddes is a definitive guide to the principles and practices of statutory interpretation in Australia. Its comprehensive coverage, practical insights, and continuous updates make it an essential resource for legal practitioners and students alike.