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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.
List of contents
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.
About the author
Christopher Hutton is Chair Professor in the School of English at the University of Hong Kong.
Summary
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.
