Reading Law: The Interpretation of Legal Texts

To be the very best attorneys we can be, we must study. Don't ever hire a lawyer who has never read a case - without being paid to read it - since law school. Right? Thus, for attorneys committed to their professions, this book is essential. I think my colleagues who dislike Scalia don't like his manner - his aloof, imperious, wheezy, almighty law-professor aura. We all remember that from law school and we detest it. Right? The real criticism isn't his devotion to textualism, it's our natural dislike for inflexible, close-minded people. Scalia is certainly that. (God help me if I ever appear before him...). But the book is compelling. The Canons of statutory interpretation section is very useful, and very handy for legal subjects where statutes are bandied about constantly, and at every level (as they are with immigration law, for example). This section is where Garner's hand is most discernible, discussions of English usage are clear, bright, and rich with possibilities. And Garner's writing is a pleasure to read: as smooth and rich as oil. This is what you buy the book for. Scalia is most prominent in the very lengthy introduction, with it's dogmatic insistence on textualist sensibilities. It's almost offensive. We feel almost as though we're being scolded from the bench, yes? Scalia is really answering his critics here much more than he is trying to enlighten the reader. I'd be willing to bet that Garner strongly advised a heavy edit in the introduction, maybe to half the length, but was unsuccessful. And Scalia doesn't really write all that well either... it's not an elegant style. Reading Scalia is like trying to land a golf ball on a boulder-strewn fairway: uncomfortable, and downright trying at times. Many lawyers and judges find the "content" of his opinion (and other) writing objectionable, but I feel it'd be much easier to swallow if the "form" of the writing weren't so ponderous, and almost oppressive at times... But the Canons of Construction section will stand you in good stead when you're writing briefs and memos. Buy the book, read half the introduction, then read the Canons section. Keep it close at hand when you're writing. It's good background, good fortification for serious, scholarly attorneys. (People Magazine will suffice for the rest of you...) The book probably would have been better if Garner had written it alone, but it's still very much worth having. Even Scalia haters will like the book (c'mon, huh? The guy is from Trenton, after all...).

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ They Took the Key of Knowledge—This Book Gives It Back This is not just a book for lawyers. This is the book for We the People—those of us who never went to law school but want to truly understand how the legal system works (and how it doesn’t work like they claim). Reading Law: The Interpretation of Legal Texts is a master key. It teaches you how laws are written, how they’re supposed to be applied, and how to recognize when they’re being twisted or misused—especially against ordinary Americans. You’ll learn real legal principles like: - Ejusdem Generis – general words are limited by the specific ones before them. - Noscitur a Sociis – context matters, words take their meaning from their surroundings. - Expressio Unius Est Exclusio Alterius – if something is listed, anything *not* listed is excluded. These are not random Latin phrases—they’re the rules judges and lawmakers are supposed to follow when interpreting laws. Most people (and honestly, most lawyers) have no idea these tools even exist. And yet they’re the foundation of real legal understanding. If you're tired of the "patriot mythology" junk floating around online (all-caps names, UCC filings on your birth certificate, etc.), this book will be a breath of fresh air. It cuts through the noise and gives you actual tools—*not theories*—to understand and challenge misapplied law. I’ll say it plainly: this book should be in every American’s home. Not just for reference, but for defense. This is the knowledge that was quietly removed from public education. It belongs to you. “Woe unto you, lawyers! For ye have taken away the key of knowledge...” – Luke 11:52 Well, here’s the key. Get this book. Study it. Share it. We’re not powerless—just uninformed. That ends now.

Exactly what I expected from Scalia and Garner...well written, precise, and presented in a way that allows for immediate application into an attorney's legal writing. Each of the textualist 'rules' provides several examples and at least one anecdote that helps solidify the principle offered. For anyone who needs to understand, apply, and argue the meaning of the law, this book is a no-brainer. Regardless of whether you agreed with Scalia's jurisprudence, this book is a valuable resource. Interpreting the law is the perfect title for this book...and...if the title doesn't get you excited, I can't imagine what lies between the front and back cover will either. Perhaps someone with an incredible passion for the law might find the subject matter fascinating, but for the most part, this is more of an instruction manual than an academically oriented read. I am a new attorney and refer to this text at least three or four times each week. I don't remember what I paid for this--but I would pay triple knowing what I know now. Scalia left an indelible mark on the Court, the legal community, and by virtue of his position as a justice, the course of the United States. I suspect there will be several books written about the man Scalia was--this is not one of them. Rather, this is a gift to those who practice that will be relevant for generations.

Not Left or Right. Just much fun with language. Charmingly written. Intelligence and experience shine on every page. An interesting essay on history, complexity, and practice of interpreting what legislators (and authors of contracts) would have us live by. Well intended but often surprisingly obscure, obtuse, inconsistent, even sloppy. This is followed by seventy 2-3 page discussions of specific canons of interpretation. Each discussion includes history, examples, logic, practical significance, and plenty of reasons to laugh at what we have created. Crazy as our legal system seems, and perhaps not the only good solution, but what an amazing solution to the problem of trying to implement predictability and fairness in human affairs.

Writing a clear ordinance is difficult, at least it is for me. I'm a scientist and definitely not a lawyer. Making a even-handed legal determination for a land use variance is apparently difficult for some members given that responsibility on such local governmental bodies as boards or commissions. The canons (writing and interpreting rules) put forth in this book, coupled with real examples, are in my opinion mandatory reading for citizens serving the public at either end of a ordinance or statutue. I have recommended this book as the first entry on our nascent reading list for new members of township boards, county variance boards, and planning commissions. January 2013 update. I am now just over 50% of the way through this excellent book. I found it so engrossing and instructive I have begun tackling the review and recommendations for re-writing of our newly-amended county zoning ordinances using the Scalia canons. I have thus far found 80 opportunities for improvement or clarification. I found one chapter in particular that needs substantial work in view of the canons. I was talking with our County Attorney the other day and mentioned this book and again recommended it as an educational resource for our township officers and county citizens serving on commissions where interpreting state and county statutes were important. She was sufficiently interested to begin reading it herself. It will be interesting to hear her opinion.

Scalia and Garner offer concise, articulate, reasoned discussions on reading and interpreting law. Very practical examples help drive home the theories. The writing style is very accessible and humorous in many places. This is not some stuffy, dense, legalistic tome. They keep it real. No matter one's political inclinations, this book will impress. Few people have the legal experience of these two authors. Justice Scalia's experience and background are well known. Perhaps more so now that he has had the extensive tributes following his recent death. Bryan Garner, the co-author, is also well credentialed and quite well thought of due to his role as the lead editor for "Black's Law Dictionary" of legal terms. The two men masterfully break down statutory application principles and explain their analysis. While these two legal experts agree on most principles, they do not feel obliged to be in lock step with one another on their legal and writing philosophies. This adds to the book's charm and effectiveness, as the differing viewpoints are discussed and celebrated.

This is a very dense read. Won’t lie, it’s not ratty going to thrill you. But it will give you the concepts you need to know for judicial interpretation and if you are or aspire to be a judge I would certainly recommend it. The focus is on textualism in all its forms, but the insight given is much greater than what I expected.

While there are a few distracting jabs at Roe and the right to privacy, this is overall a good book to sharpen your statutory construction and legal drafting skills. Scalia and Garner are good writers. I find myself using it as a reference every few months.