What is the test for determining the meaning of a word in statutory legislation?

California, United States of America


The following excerpt is from People v. Corona, B297528 (Cal. App. 2020):

purpose.' [Citations.] 'Because the statutory language is generally the most reliable indicator of that intent, we look first at the words themselves, giving them their usual and ordinary meaning.' [Citations.] 'If the statutory language is unambiguous, then its plain meaning controls. If, however, the language supports more than one reasonable construction, then we may look to extrinsic aids, including the ostensible objects to be achieved and the legislative history.'" (People v. Ruiz (2018) 4 Cal.5th 1100, 1105-1106; see In re C.H. (2011) 53 Cal.4th 94, 100.)

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