Foreword to the first edition

• Author: Ruth Sullivan
• Profession: Faculty of Law, University of Ottawa
• Pages: 15-15

FOREWORD

to the First Edition

In this book, Professor Ruth Sullivan has under taken the ta sk of ex-

plaining the process of statutory interpretation. She does so in a clear

and readable style, not only with her e xtensive knowledge of the cases,

but with the sophistication one would expect of one of Canada’s best

known writers in the f‌ield.

The author approaches the subject as an art rather th an a science.

Rules do not really govern, though they undoubtedly shape how one goes

about attaching meaning to leg islation. The weight given to rules and

other factors that come into play in the inter pretation of statutes varies

with the situation. Among other things, one must take account of both

the broad and specif‌ic contexts i n which the legislation was en acted, its

intended purpose, and t he ordinar y meaning of the words used. And one

must also have an eye to the sp ecialized setting in which it or iginated, in-

cluding Parliamentar y practice and dra fting conventions. Moreover, the

process is in formed by general social values a nd the specif‌ic demands of

the particular matter thought to be regulated—both at the time of enact-

ment and the time the legislation comes up for interpretation. Central to

this amalgam is a strong component of common sense.

These and other inf‌luences that go into the t ask of statutory inter-

pretation are clearly brought out in the book. But Professor Sullivan is

far from leaving us at this level of generality. Her identif‌ication of these

factors is merely a prelude to a detailed exami nation and asses sment

of the various rules a nd other components that go into statutory inter-

pretation in light of the latest and most authorit ative cases, to which

she devotes special attention.

Professor Sullivan’s book should prove to be a very helpf ul guide to all

those seeking enlightenment on the subject. I am pleased to commend it.

The Honourable Gerald V. La Forest

Supreme Court of Canada

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