What should be referred to if a clause conflicts with an entire statute?

When a clause in a legal document conflicts with an entire statute, referring to the original intent of the law is essential. This original intent reflects the purposes and goals that the lawmakers had in mind when they created the statute. Understanding this intent can help clarify how the law should be applied and interpreted, particularly in cases of ambiguity or conflict. Courts often look at the legislative history, debates, and documents from the time of enactment to discern what the legislature intended to achieve through the law.

In contrast, while legislative summaries might provide a general overview or simplified explanation of a statute, they may not capture the nuanced intentions behind the specific language of the law. Judicial history, which includes past court decisions interpreting the law, may also offer guidance but ultimately is secondary to the original intent. Similarly, the opinions of legal experts, while potentially informative, do not hold the same weight as the intent established during the law's creation. Thus, referencing the original intent provides a foundational understanding crucial for resolving conflicts between a clause and a statute.