What is involved in "statutory interpretation"?

Statutory interpretation refers to the method by which courts and legal professionals interpret and clarify the meanings of legislation. This process is essential for understanding how statutes apply to specific cases and circumstances. As statutes, or written laws, can often be broad or ambiguous, courts engage in statutory interpretation to discern the intent of the lawmakers and how the law should function in practice.

The process involves examining the language of the statute itself, considering the context in which it was enacted, analyzing relevant case law, and sometimes taking into account the purpose of the legislation. This understanding is critical because the way laws are interpreted can significantly impact legal outcomes in various scenarios.

The other options present concepts that do not align with statutory interpretation. Making new laws pertains to the legislative process, while a legal dispute specifically addresses conflicts requiring resolution, rather than the interpretation of laws. Establishing legal rights for citizens often follows from how laws are interpreted but does not define the interpretive process itself. Thus, the focus on determining the meaning and application of laws precisely captures the essence of statutory interpretation.