California, United States of America
The following excerpt is from People v. Greeley, H047281 (Cal. App. 2021):
"We exercise de novo review when we engage in statutory construction." (People v. Brackins (2019) 37 Cal.App.5th 56, 65.) "Statutory construction begins with the plain, commonsense meaning of the words in the statute,' "because it is generally the most reliable indicator of legislative intent and purpose."' [Citation.] 'When the language of a statute is clear, we need go no further.'" (People v. Manzo (2012) 53 Cal.4th 880, 885.) "Absent any indicia of a contrary legislative intent, the word 'shall' is ordinarily construed as mandatory . . . . [Citation] This is especially so when both 'shall' and 'may' are used in the same statute." (People v. Hardacre (2001) 90 Cal.App.4th 1392, 1398.)
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