Which statement best describes the overall role of the Code Construction Act?

• A. It solely governs time calculations
• B. It defines offenses in the Penal Code
• C. It prescribes procedures for trials
• D. It provides general statutory interpretation rules

Answer: (D)

Statutory interpretation rules govern how courts read and apply laws, especially when language is unclear. The Code Construction Act provides the general rules of construction that guide how statutes should be interpreted—how to interpret words, resolve ambiguities, and consider context and intent. This broad framework is the Act’s purpose, rather than addressing specifics like time calculations, crime definitions, or trial procedures. Time calculations come from time-computation provisions elsewhere, offenses are defined in the Penal Code, and trial procedures come from procedural codes or court rules. So providing general statutory interpretation rules best describes its role.