Legislative intent simple is the analysis of bills when an issue is raised against it. The courts do legislative intent in the case of an issue with the interpretation of a law. For example, legislators may question the constitutionality of a bill or its purpose.
The primary documents of the bill can often illustrate legislative intent. Judges, lawyers, and other court officials analyze the bill with this in mind. They examine the documents, including transcripts of debates, drafts, and committee notes. The goal is to determine:
- Why the bill and its language were important
- How the bill proposed solutions to previous public policy
- What public policy issues are being raised against the bill
- Who proposes the ideas for reforms or solutions