Shining a Light on Statutory Law

Shining a Light on Statutory Law

Emeritus Professor at UKZN George Devenish has made another significant contribution to legal scholarship. Following his seminal work, Interpretation of Statutes published in 1992, he has now completed Devenish on Interpretation: Statutory Interpretation.

Published by Juta, it is the first of a two-volume tome that delves into critical discussions on the deontic nature of legal reasoning involved in interpreting statutes and the South African Constitution. It also examines the importance of clarity in legal expression and its impact on statutory interpretation, alongside the related doctrine of overbreadth.

The book, which has already received favourable reviews, is an invaluable resource for South African lawyers and practitioners. Devenish expressed his profound gratitude to Dr Annie Singh, an expert in statutory interpretation and a senior academic in the School of Law for her invaluable input and research.

Singh described the work as an exemplary presentation of the subject that is the most up-to-date and comprehensive resource on the interpretation of statutes.

‘As South Africa embarks on a new chapter in its history, and as we reflect on what a Government of National Unity (GNU) signifies for us, the book provides a fresh perspective and contextualisation of statutory interpretation in light of the new era of constitutional democracy.’

She highlighted that the way laws are interpreted is crucial to achieve social justice in South Africa and that the importance of statutory interpretation cannot be underestimated.

‘This is an amazing achievement that sheds light on the neglected field of statutory law,’ said Singh.

Copies of Devenish on Interpretation: Volume 1 Statutory Interpretation are available through Juta, Sherwood Books and Van Schaik Bookstore.

Words: Samukelisiwe Cele

Photographs: Supplied