First Principles of Business Law

6.9. Other provisions in the Interpretation Acts

The various Interpretation Acts all contain a number of standard provisions that assist interpretation. Important examples of these provisions are listed below.

• Singular nouns include the plural (and vice versa).
• A definition of a word applies to other grammatical forms of that word.
• Generally, the word 'may' leaves room for judicial discretion, while the word 'shall' does not.
• Definitions of words in a particular Act also apply when interpreting associated delegated legislation.