Legislative History
/ˈlɛdʒɪsleɪtɪv ˈhɪstəri/
Definitions
- (n.) The collection of documents and records that reveal the intent and context behind the enactment of a statute.
The court examined the legislative history to interpret the ambiguous statute.
Forms
- legislative histories
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Legislative history is often used to clarify ambiguous statutory language but its weight varies by jurisdiction and judicial philosophy.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.