Subjects of Construction and Interpretation in Law

V. SUBJECTS OF CONSTRUCTION

Authorities hold that the most common subjects of statutory construction and interpretation are the Constitution and statutes. However, the power to construe extends to any document or act that has the force of law or creates legal rights and obligations, including ordinances, resolutions, executive orders, department circulars, contracts, and wills.

A. The Constitution

The Constitution is the supreme law of the land. Its construction is unique because it is a living document intended to endure for ages. The primary goal is to ascertain the intent of the framers and the sovereign people who ratified it.