INTERPRETIVE DIRECTIONS IN STATUTES

Legislatures have employed a variety of strategies in their attempts t o influence the interpretation of statutes, one strategy involves the use of ''interpretive directions,'' statutory provisions that direct c ourts to interpret statutes in a particular way. In this Note, Mr. Rom ero analyzes the effectiveness and desirability of interpretive direct ions. He raises both constitutional and practical objections to the us e of interpretive directions, and discusses possible judicial response s to such legislative action. He concludes that legislatures can best control the application of the laws by taking more care in drafting th e substantive provisions of statutes rather than by enacting interpret ive directions.