Gono, Ana Maria G.

STATUTORY CONSTRUCTION
ATTY. EDGARDO SOLON , Professor

LEGAL MAXIMS LATIN MAXIM

Verba legis Index animi sermo est Verba legis non est recedendum Maledicta est expositio quae corrumpit textum Dura lex sed lex Hoc quidem perquam durum est, sed ita lex scripta est Aequitas nunquam contravenit legis Interpretatio fienda est ut res magis valeat quam pereat Ratio legis Verba intentioni, non e contra, debent inservire Cessante ratione legis, cessat et ipsa lex Ratio legis est anima Interpretatio talis in ambiguis semper fienda est ut evitetur inconveniens et absurdum Ea est accipienda interpretatio quae vitio caret Fiat justicia, ruat coelum Jure naturae aequum est neminem cum alterius detrimento et injuria fieri locupletiorem Surplusagium non noceat Utile per inutile non vitiatur Falsa demonstratio non nocet, cum de corpore constat Ibi quid generaliter conceditur; inest haec exceptio, si non aliquid sit contras jus basque Summum jus, summa injuria Nemo tenetur ad impossibile Impossibilium nulla obligatio est

MEANING Plain meaning rule Speech is the index of intention . From the words of a statute there should be no departure It is dangerous construction which is against the text. The law may be harsh, but it is still the law . It is exceedingly hard but so the law is written. Equity never acts in contravention of the law. A law should be interpreted with a view to upholding rather than destroying it. Interpretation according to the spirit or reason of the law. Words ought to be more subservient to the intent and not the intent to the words When the reason of the law ceases, the law itsef ceases. The reason of the law is its soul. Where there is ambiguity, such interpretation as will avoid inconvenience and absurdity is to be adopted . Interpretation is to be adopted which is free from evil or injustice. Let right be done, though the heavens fall . According to the laws of nature, it is just that no one should be enriched by the detriment and injury of another. Surplusage does not vitiate a statute. The useful is not vitiated by the non-useful. False description does not preclude construction nor vitiate the meaning of the statute. Where anything is granted generally, this exemption is implied; that nothing shall be contrary to law and right. The rigor of the law would become the highest injustice. The law obliges no one to perform an impossibility. There is no obligation to do an impossible thing.

Ex necessitate legis In eo quod plus sit, semper inest et minus Ubi jus, ibi remedium Ex dolo malo non oritur actio Nulus commodum capere potest de injuria sua propria In pari delicto potior est conditio defendentis Quando aliquid prohibetur ex directo, prohibetor et per obiquum Ubi lex non distinguit, nec nos distinguere debemus Generale dictum generaliter est interpretandum Generalia verba sunt generaliter intelligenda Verba accipienda sunt secundum subjectam materiam Noscitur a sociis Ejusdem generis Expressio unius est exclusio alterius

From the necessity of the law or by necessary implication of law. The greater includes the lesser . Where there is a right, there is a remedy. No man can be allowed to found a claim upon his own wrongdoing or inequity . No man should be allowed to take advantage of his own wrong. In the case of equal or mutual fault, the position of the defending party is the better one. What cannot be done directy cannot be done indirectly. Where the law does not distinguish, w e should not distinguish. A general statement shall be understood in a general sense. What is generally spoken shall be generally understood. A word is to be understood in the context in which it is used. Word construed with reference to accompanying or associated words Of the same kind or specie The express mention of one person, thing or consequence implies the exclusion of all others. What is expressed puts an end to that which is implied. A thing not being excepted must be regarded as coming within the purview of the general rule Negative-opposite doctrine A person, object or thing omitted from an enumeration must be held to have been omitted intentionally. Relative words refer to the nearest antecedents, unless the context otherwise requires Referring each to each; referring each phrase or expression to its appropriate object; or let each be put in its proper place. The best interpreter of a statute is the statute itself. That the construction is to be sought which gives effect to the whole of the statute. Relating to the same matter

Expressum facit cessare tacitum Exceptio firmat regulam in casibus non exceptis Argumentum a contrario Casus omissus pro omisso habendus est Ad proximum antecedens fiat relatio nisi impediatur sententia Reddendo sungula singulis

Optima statuti interpretatrix est ipsum statutum Ut res magis valeat quam pereat Pari materia

Interpotare et concordare leges legibus est optimus interpretandi modus Distingue tempora et concordabis jura Salus populi est suprema lex Statuta pro publico commodo late interpretantur Actus non facit reum, nisi mens sit rea Actus me invito factus non est meus actus Privilegia recipiunt largam interpretationem voluntati consonam concedentis Nullum tempus occurrit regi

Vigilantibus et non dormientibus jura subveniunt Potior est in tempoe, potior est in jure Interest reipublicae ut sit finis litium

Lex prospicit, non respicit Lex de futuro, judex de pra eterito Nova constitutio futuris formam imponere debet non praeteritis Favorabilia sunt amplianda, adiosa restringenda Leges posteriores priores contrarias abrogant Generalia specialibus non derogant Stare decisis et non quieta movere Legis interpretatio legis vim obtinet Contemporanea expositio est optima et fortissima in lege Optimus interpres rerum usus Ratihabitio mandato aequiparatur
Nullum crimen sine poena, nulla poena sine legis Absoluta sententia ex positore non indiget

Evey statute must be so construed and harmonized with other statutes as to form a uniform system of jurisprudence. Distinguish times and you will harmonize laws. The welfare of the people is the supreme law. Statutes enacted for the public good are to be construed liberally. The act itself does not make a man guilty unless his intention were so. An act done by me against my will is not my act. Privileges are to be interpreted in accordance with the will of him who grants them. There can be no legal right as against the authority that makes the law on which the right depends. The laws aid the vigilant, not those who slumber on their rights. He who is first in time is preferred in right. Public interest requires that by the very nature of things there must be an end to a legal controversy. The laws looks forward, not backward. The law provides for the future, the judge for the past. A new statute should affect the future, not the past. Penal laws which are favorable to the accused are given retroactive effect. A later law repeals a prior law on the same subject which is repugnant thereto. A general law does not nullify a specific or special law. Follow past precedents and do not disturb what has been settled.
The authoritative interpretation of the court of a statute acquires the force of law by becoming a part thereof.

The contemporary construction is strongest in law. The best interpreter of the law is usage. Legislative ratification is equivalent to a mandate.
There is no crime without a penalty, and there is no penalty without a law. When language of law is clear, no explanation of it is required.