California statutes – California Globe

Instructing the Courts on Interpretation

May 29, 2026 2:00 pmMay 29, 2026 2:01 pm

In reviewing some recent legislation in the 2026 California Legislative Session, I have come across several bills that contain “liberally construe” language, as well as one that used “liberally interpret” language. In other words, this language is directed at state...

Are These Extra Words Needed in California Statutes?

February 25, 2026 2:00 pmFebruary 25, 2026 2:01 pm

In reading California statutes, I have seen multiple instances in which I believe there are extraneous words in bills and, ultimately, statutes in the 29 California Codes. Being concise is a key principle in drafting legislation and so I raise...

Recent Legal Challenges to California Statutes

December 4, 2025 4:00 pmDecember 4, 2025 4:49 pm

2025 has been an interesting year for legal challenges against statutes enacted by the California Legislature. While the following list is not exhaustive, this is a good sampling of pending or completed litigation to be aware of: The U.S. Court...

Why Would the Legislature Request?

December 13, 2024 2:30 amDecember 13, 2024 2:31 am

We know in drafting California statutes, the term “shall” is mandatory and the term “may” is permissive. In other words, required conduct found in a statute uses the word “shall,” while discretionary conduct found in a statute used the word...

Helpful Statutory Interpretation Guidelines in California Statutes

November 25, 2024 2:30 amNovember 25, 2024 2:31 am

In reading the California Code of Civil Procedure, I came across Article 1 of Chapter 2 of Title 7 of Part 3. Article 1 is titled, “Construction.” This provides several helpful statutory interpretation or construction principles that are actually applicable...

The Old Way of Doing Legislative Intent Statements

August 3, 2024 2:30 amAugust 3, 2024 2:31 am

In reading Code sections recently (yes, I am an acknowledged legislative geek), I came across a statute from 1968 in the California Unemployment Insurance Code. I found that Code section unique in that it uses language that we do not...

Guidance for Drafting a ‘Declaratory of Existing Law’ California Statute

June 30, 2024 2:30 amJune 30, 2024 2:31 am

On occasion, you may see a bill in the California Legislature that has the following provision: “The amendments made by this act do not constitute a change in, but are declaratory of, existing law.” This statement is straightforward and easy...