Non-textual amendment

Summary

In legislatures, more commonly in parliaments, a non-textual amendment is an amendment that alters the meaning or scope of operation of a piece of legislation, but without changing the text.[1] This is done by creating a provision that refers to another provision. It contrasts with a "textual amendment" that directly changes the wording.[2]

For a non-textual amendment, both the original provision and the new provision would have to be read together to have a complete understanding of the item.

Example edit

For example, a statement could say, "All cats are good." In this case, a textual amendment could be made so that the statement says, "All dogs are good."

A non-textual amendment would not change the original statement. Instead, it would be another statement like, "The statement shall apply to dogs as it would apply to cats." This statement would have to be read in conjunction with the original statement, "All cats are good", to get the full meaning.

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ Slapper, Gary; Kelly, David (2015). The English Legal System: 2015-2016 (16th ed.). London: Routledge. p. 95. ISBN 978-1-138-82955-8.
  2. ^ Renton, David (1978). "The Legislative Habits of the British Parliament". Journal of Legislation. Retrieved 2016-02-24.