Define: Whole-Statute Rule

The Whole-Statute Rule is a legal principle that requires courts to interpret a statute as a whole, rather than focusing on individual words or phrases in isolation.

The Whole-Statute Rule is important because it helps ensure that statutes are interpreted in a way that reflects the overall intent of the legislature, rather than allowing for selective or narrow interpretations.

The Whole-Statute Rule requires courts to consider the entire text of a statute, as well as its purpose and legislative history, when interpreting its meaning.

There may be some limited exceptions to the Whole-Statute Rule, such as when a particular provision of a statute is ambiguous and requires a more focused analysis.

If a court fails to apply the Whole-Statute Rule, it may result in an incorrect or incomplete interpretation of the statute, leading to potential legal disputes and confusion.

The Whole-Statute Rule applies to all types of statutes, including regulatory statutes, and requires courts to consider the entire regulatory framework when interpreting a particular provision.

Yes, the Whole-Statute Rule can be used to resolve conflicts within a statute by requiring courts to reconcile conflicting provisions in a way that gives effect to the overall legislative intent.

Yes, the Whole-Statute Rule applies to both federal and state statutes, as it is a fundamental principle of statutory interpretation.

The Whole-Statute Rule complements the plain meaning rule by requiring courts to consider the entire text and context of a statute, rather than relying solely on the literal meaning of individual words.

The Whole-Statute Rule can be used to challenge the constitutionality of a statute by requiring courts to consider the statute as a whole and assess its overall impact on constitutional rights and principles.