Interpretation of Law

This chapter explores the concept, methods, and types of legal interpretation, emphasizing its central role in the implementation and correct application of legal norms. Interpretation is defined as the process of clarifying and explaining the true meaning of legal rules in specific contexts, bridging the gap between abstract legal texts and concrete social realities. The chapter outlines the structure of interpretation through its object (normative text), method (legal-logical analysis), and subject (actual meaning), and explains how these interact to derive regulatory significance. It presents key interpretive methods such as grammatical, logical, systematic, historical-political, teleological, special-legal, and functional, each contributing uniquely to uncovering legislative intent. Types of interpretation are classified as official (normative and case-specific) and unofficial (ordinary, professional, and doctrinal), with differing authority and legal effect. The chapter also distinguishes between literal, expansive, and restrictive interpretation, cautioning against unjustified extensions or contractions of legal meaning. Ultimately, it reinforces that interpretation ensures legal certainty, harmonizes the “letter” and “spirit” of law, and is vital for sound legal reasoning and consistent application across legal systems.