It can be hard to read statutes.Statutes are hard to find and written in a confusing way.They refer to other statutes that are hard to find.To read a statute properly, you need to define all of the key terms and then read it multiple times.You should seek legal help if you still don't understand the statute.
Step 1: You can do an online search.
If a statute has been posted online, you can start searching for it.States and localities will often post their statutes on their websites.A basic web search can be used to find them.To find the subject matter you are looking for, open a web browser and type instatute.If you want to find out the city's law on barking at night, type "statute dog bark" and then your city.
Step 2: You can search MuniCode.com.
Local laws are hard to find.You can browse at MuniCode.com.Select your state and then choose the town or city from the alphabetical list.You can ask the town clerk if you can get a copy of the municipal codes.
Step 3: You can visit a law library.
If you can't find a statute online, you might want to visit a local law library and ask for help.Statutes should be kept in bound volumes.Law libraries can be found at the courthouse.If you don't know where the nearest law library is, ask the court clerk.You can find the courthouse by looking in the phone book or online.An annotated code can be found at the law library.Information on court cases that interpreted the statute will be included in this version of statutes.If a court case interprets an aspect of the statute, it will control future applications of law.You should try to see the annotated version of the law.
Step 4: Use a legal search engine.
Lawyers, law students, and paralegals should have access to either Westlaw or LexisNexis.The text of a statute can be found on these search engines if you click on a hyperlink.Any referenced statute should be hyperlinked if you are reading a court opinion.Clicking on the link will take you to the statute.In Lexis, the Chapter Heading will be given, along with the highlighted text, if you click on "Statutes and Legislation."If it relates to your search, read the heading.Check for annotations.There should be annotations underneath the text.You can find court opinions that apply the statute by reading the annotations.
Step 5: The organization of statutes should be recognized.
Statutes can be grouped by subject matter.There will be sections for Rules of Evidence and Housing.You should be able to see the layout of the section.
Step 6: The statutory definitions can be found.
You should always look for the definition section.The front of the statutory section is where these come from.The legislature can give specific definitions to common words.You should know the meaning of the words since they have a specific meaning.You should circle any words that you don't understand.Don't skip anything.You have to understand the relevant section of the statute.Look up the words you don't know in a dictionary.You should read the statute again after you have defined all the words.
Step 7: Understand the terms.
The meaning of the words "shall" and "may" is different.When a statute states that you must do something, the action is mandatory.You have discretion where "may" is used.The word "notwithstanding" means "in spite" and is used to create exceptions to the rule.All dogs must be registered with the city according to a law.There is a 60 day grace period for dog owners to register.If a condition has been satisfied, a statutory provision may only apply.If one of the parties requests a jury, each party will have to pay $150 in costs.
Step 8: Pay attention to the words.
It will be difficult to define the words "reasonable" or "good cause" simply by looking at the statute.The real meaning will be determined on a case-by-case basis even if these terms are included in the definitions.You need to find an annotated version of the statute so that you can see what situations have qualified as reasonable or a good cause.
Step 9: Check for references.
A statute can refer to another statute.The referenced statute's meaning is incorporated by the statute.All statutes need to be found and read.If you use Lexis or Westlaw, you should be able to find cross-references.Click on it.If you are looking for statutes in books, you should write down the title and subtitle numbers and find the relevant volume of statutes.All relevant sections should be copied.bulky books are more difficult to access than photocopies.You can make notes on your photocopies.
Step 10: The meaning should be applied.
You should read it straight through once you understand the statutory definitions.You need to read every statute at least three times.It is important to read more than the relevant part.Understand the context for the statute by reading the subchapter and chapter.The meaning of the statute will be the meaning that a court applies to.You need to avoid absurdity.If a statute leads to an absurd result, a court won't apply it.It would be ridiculous to apply the statute to humans, who are technically animals.
Step 11: Legislative history should be researched.
Not all statutes are plain.There would be fewer lawyers if the statutes were clear.The law is an art.You will need to anticipate how a judge would apply the statute if it is vague or ambiguous.It is not always easy to figure out the law's purpose.Most laws are passed to address a social problem, such as drug use or other crimes, or to provide a framework for how government agencies are to act.You need to figure out the purpose of the law.If you want to do something that does not violate the law, you have a strong argument that the statute doesn't apply to you.You can read the legislative history.It can be hard to find this information.You can read newspaper accounts from the time when the legislation was considered.Legislators often state why they are passing the law.Establishing the law's purpose can be done with this.
Step 12: Meet with a lawyer.
A qualified attorney can give you an educated opinion on how a statute will be interpreted.The lawyer can advise on whether or not your conduct violates the law if you explain the facts of your situation.You may be concerned about the costs of an attorney.Many states now allow lawyers to offer limited scope representation.He or she will only do the tasks you assign.The lawyer could offer advice for a flat fee.When you call for a consultation, ask the attorney if they offer limited scope representation.