In pari materia

“In pari materia” is a Latin legal term that means “in a like manner” or “on the same subject.” In legal interpretation, it refers to the principle that when two or more laws or statutes deal with similar subjects or issues, they should be interpreted together and harmonized to the extent possible. This principle ensures consistency and coherence in the interpretation of laws, especially when different statutes may appear to conflict or overlap.

The idea behind “in pari materia” is to prevent contradictions or inconsistencies in the legal system by treating related laws as if they were part of a single, unified whole when interpreting them. Courts often apply this principle when interpreting statutes or regulations to determine their meaning and intent. This helps to avoid confusion and ensures that the law is applied consistently and fairly.