What is the test for determining the meaning of a section of the California Civil Code?
California, United States of America
The following excerpt is from People v. Gonzalez, 179 Cal.Rptr.3d 1, 335 P.3d 1083, 60 Cal.4th 533 (Cal. 2014):
In addressing this question, [w]e begin by examining the statute's words, giving them a plain and commonsense meaning. [Citation.] We do not, however, consider the statutory language in isolation. [Citation.] Rather, we look to the entire substance of the statute ... in order to determine the scope and purpose of the provision.... [Citation.] [Citation.] That is, we construe the words in question in context, keeping in mind the nature and obvious purpose of the statute.... [Citation.] [Citation.] We must harmonize the various parts of a statutory enactment ... by considering the particular clause or section in the context of the statutory framework as a whole. ' (People v. Acosta (2002) 29 Cal.4th 105, 112, 124 Cal.Rptr.2d 435, 52 P.3d 624.) If, however, the statutory language is susceptible of more than one reasonable
[60 Cal.4th 538]
construction, we can look to legislative history in aid of ascertaining legislative intent. (
[179 Cal.Rptr.3d 4]
People v. Robles (2000) 23 Cal.4th 1106, 1111, 99 Cal.Rptr.2d 120, 5 P.3d 176.)
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