Aids to interpretation

• Intrinsic aids - found within the act
• Intrinsic aids examples:

  • long title
  • The preamble (statement setting out the purpose of the act), objectives/purpose section (for newer acts)
  • Schedule – additions to the main body of the acts 
  • Definition section 
• Extrinsic aids – materials from outside the act
• Extrinsic aids examples:

  • Dictionaries
  • Explanatory notes and textbooks 
  • Hansard – official report of what is said in parliament when acts are debated 
  • Other previous acts (Wheatley)
  • Law reform reports