Open Access Research Article
LINGERING READINGS: GARDEN-PATH REANALYSIS AND THE REVISION OF STATUTORY MEANING
Abstract
The cognitive phenomenon of
garden-path processing offers a useful lens to understand legal interpretation.
Garden-path sentences demonstrate that readers may construct an initially
plausible interpretation hold onto pieces of that interpretation even when they are given
information that requires reanalysis. The paper explores if legal
readers may encounter similar path-dependence when faced with structurally
ambiguous statutory language, drawing on psycholinguistic studies of persistent
misinterpretations. It contends that interpretive doctrines may be
institutional devices for managing reanalysis, not just for choosing among
competing interpretations. Through Indian statutory and arbitration cases, the
paper illustrates how displaced readings may persist within subsequent
interpretation and doctrinal development, while identifying the need for
empirical testing.
Published Paper
Author Details
Authors: MAYA VASURegistration ID: 1013334 | Published Paper ID: IJLRA13334Year: Oct-2026 | Volume: 3 | Issue: 7Approved ISSN: 2582-6433 | Country: Delhi, IndiaPage No.: 855- 870
Article Information
LINGERING READINGS: GARDEN-PATH REANALYSIS AND THE REVISION OF STATUTORY MEANING
Authors: MAYA VASU
- Journal IJLRA
- ISSN 2582-6433
- Volume 3
- Issue 7
About Journal
International Journal for Legal Research and Analysis
- AbbreviationIJLRA
- ISSN2582-6433
- AccessOpen Access
- LicenseCC 4.0
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