The University of Colorado at Boulder Law School

Legislative Intent

Plain Meaning

• The "plain meaning" of the statute is usually given the most emphasis when courts weigh Congressional intent.
• When arguing that a statute does or doesn't have a "plain meaning,& the legislative history documents are invoked to determine what Congress "really" meant.

Hierarchy for Showing Legislative Intent

• If available, the joint explanatory statement in a bill's conference committee report.
• Explanations and summaries of the bill in committee reports.
• Congressional Record remarks and debates.
• Testimony from Congressional hearings.
• The texts of earlier related bills, reports, and debates to show legislative intent by the example of inclusion or exclusion of language.