STATUTORY_CONSTRUCTION_Lectures_2024_Exam_I

Statutory Construction

The process of interpreting legislation to determine its meaning and implications.

Bill

A draft of a proposed law presented for debate and approval in a legislative body.

Act

The term used for a bill after it has been approved by the legislature and enacted into law.

Statute

The written will of the legislature, formally expressed to constitute it as law.

Statute Law

A broader legal concept that includes statutes as well as judicial interpretations and applications.

Nullify

To declare a legal marriage void or invalid.

Psychological Incapacity

A condition under which a person lacks the ability to fulfill essential obligations of marriage.

Enrolled Bill

A bill that has been passed by Congress and authenticated, which carries the process with certainty regarding its enactment.

Veto

The power of the President to reject a bill passed by Congress.

Veto Message

The communication from the President detailing the objections against a particular bill.

General Law

A type of law that affects the community at large.

Special Law

A law designed for a particular purpose or area.

Local Law

A law that applies to a specific locality rather than the entire state.

Public Law

A classification of law concerning the organization of government and relationships between the state and individuals.

Private Law

Law that governs relationships between individuals or organizations.

Retrospective Law

A law that looks backward to affect events that occurred prior to its enactment.

Vague Statute

A law that lacks clear standards or definitions, causing uncertainty in its application.

Legislative Intent

The purpose or goal that the legislature sought to achieve when enacting a law.

Statute as a Whole

The principle that legislative intent should be interpreted by examining the entire statute, not just individual provisions.

Spirit of the Law

The underlying purpose or rationale that drives the enactment of a law.

Casus Omissus

A situation where a statute explicitly covers certain cases but omits others similar in nature.

Stare Decisis

The legal principle of determining points in litigation according to precedent.

Presumption against Unconstitutionality

The assumption that a statute is valid unless proven otherwise.

Administrative Orders

Acts of the President that pertain to the management of government operations.

Executive Orders

Directives issued by the President to manage the operations of the federal government.

Sangguniang Barangay

The smallest legislative body in local government that can pass ordinances.

Barangay Ordinance

A local law enacted by the Sangguniang Barangay, subject to higher government review.

Repeal by Implication

When a new law conflicts with an older law to the extent that both cannot coexist.

Mandatory Statute

A law that requires specific actions or outcomes, as opposed to simply allowing them.

General and Specific Terms

Rules for interpreting general terms in legislation based on their context.