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International Comparative Jurisprudence 2025 Volume 11 Issue 1
ISSN 2351-6674 (online) DOI: h
MykolisRoieris International Comparative urisprudence
University
THE SEMANTICS OF LEGAL INTERPRETATION
Pooja Tomar'
SMVD University, India
E-mail: 2_dpcO0l irsmvdwac.in
Satish Kumar Tiwari2
A.P.B. Government Post Graduate College, India
E-mail: thesktiwari89&nail.com
Received: 25 October 2024; accepted: 5 June 2025
DOI: hus. doi.orp 0.i3]65/tic,202511.00]
Abstract: The interpretation of legal texts is a complex and critical task, requiring an in-depth understanding of both language
and law. This paper delves into the application of key semantic theories-referential theory, descriptive theory, use theory,
speech act theory, verification theory, and truth-conditional theory-to enhance the precision and clarity of legal interpretation.
Each of these theories offers distinct insights into how meaning is constructed, communicated, and understood within legal
contexts. By examining the nuances of these approaches, the paper explores how they intersect with prominent legal
interpretative theories, such as textualism, originalism, purposivism, and pragmatism, to guide legal interpreters in making
more informed decisions. Textualismbenefits from the direct, meaning-focused referential theory, while originalism is enriched
by the historical depth of descriptive theory. Use theory and speech act theory shed light on the practical and performative
aspects of legal language, providing new tools for purposivism and pragmatism. Verification and truth-conditional theories
further contribute by ensuring logical coherence and truth alignment in legal interpretation. Ultimately, the paper demonstrates
how semantic theories can deepen our understanding of legal texts and enhance the interpretive process, leading to fairer and
more consistent legal outcomes. This interdisciplinary approach opens new pathways for bridging the gap between law and
language, ensuring that legal interpretation remains rigorous, adaptable, and aligned with both the intent of the law and societal
needs.
Keywords: Semantic Theories, Legal Interpretation, Referential Theory, Descriptive Theory, Use Theory, Speech Act Theory,
Verification Theory, Truth-Conditional Theory.
Introduction
The process of legal interpretation is one of the most intricate aspects of the legal system, requiring a
sophisticated understanding of language, meaning, and intent. Legal texts, such as statutes, contracts,
and judicial opinions, are often complex, containing terms whose meanings may vary depending on
context, historical usage, and the intent of their drafters or interpreters. Consequently, theories of
meaning from semantics play a critical role in guiding legal interpreters-judges, lawyers, and
scholars-in deciphering these texts and applying their principles to specific cases. In the context of
judicial opinions, application refers to the use of these rulings as precedents to resolve disputes,
ensuring consistency and adherence to established legal principles. Semantics, the branch of linguistics
concerned with meaning, offers a variety of theories that can aid in understanding how language
functions within legal texts. While existing methods of legal interpretation-such as textualism,
purposivism, and the use of canons of construction-have provided significant insights, challenges
persist in achieving consistent and universally accepted interpretations. For example, ambiguity in legal
1 Research scholar at the School of Philosophy & Culture at SMVD University, Katra, Jammu, India. Orcid ID:
0009-0006-4291-9463.
2 Assistant professor at A.P.B. Government Post Graduate College, Agastyamuni, Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand,
India. ORCID ID: 0009-0004-6073-6156.
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