Statutory history

Definition

The record of how a statute has been enacted, amended, and evolved over time, distinct from legislative history (committee reports, floor statements). Even judges skeptical of legislative history generally accept looking at prior versions of a statute to understand its current text.

Examples

• •Clement distinguished statutory history from legislative history, noting all Justices are willing to examine how Section 47(b) evolved from 'shall be void' to its current form.

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