Word Meaning and Legal Interpretation An Introductory Guide [Paperback]

This book introduces ideas about word meaning in the context of law. It analyzes cases from common law jurisdictions that concern the meaning, definition and legal status of individual words, labels and categories. The focus is on the question of how law assigns authority over word meaning in different circumstances and in different domains of law.

Note on Conventions.-?Introduction: Scope and Aims of the Book.-?PART I: MEANING AND INTERPRETATION?1. Linguistic Meaning.-?2. Word Meaning and Interpretation in the Law.-?3. Ordinary Language and Legal Language.-?PART II: CASE STUDIES?4. Classification and Legislative Intent.-?5. Characterizing an Event.-?6. The Classification of Mundane Objects I: Food Items in United Kingdom Tax Law.-?7. The Classification of Mundane Objects II: Cases from the United States.-?8. Technological Change and Legal Categories.-?9. Lawful and Unlawful Searches.-?10. Colonial Encounters: What is a Sacred Object?.-?11. Defining Identity I: Job or Profession.-?12. Defining Identity II: Nation, People and Race.-?13. Defining Identity III: Transgender Identities.-?14. Defining Identity IV: Corporate Personhood.-?PART III: CONCLUDING DISCUSSION?15. Word Meaning and Interpretative Authority.-?Abbreviations.-?References.-?Cases Cited.

Christopher Hutton is Chair Professor in the School of English at the University of Hong Kong.This textbook offers a concise introduction to key concepts in the study of meaning and interpretation taken from linguistics, philosophy and the law. A range of actual cases that involve ordinary words, commonsense categories and problems of classification are explored and clearly explained for readers who want to learn more but lack the legal background.

Word Meaning and Legal Interpretation:
provides a strong sense of the texture of legal problems
includes detailed summaries and analyses of cases from common law jurisdictions