Tips to Read Bare Act
There are a few things to keep in mind while reading a bare act that will help in understanding the law better. Firstly, one should start by reading the index table which will give an idea about the various chapters, sections, and sub-sections present in the act. Secondly, it is important to read the interpretation/definition clause as it will provide clarity on certain terms used in the Act. Thirdly, one should buy a hard copy of the bare act instead of reading it online as it is easier to refer to specific sections offline. Lastly, keeping in mind the purpose of the Act while reading it will also be helpful in understanding it better.
Understand the structure of the Act
To read and understand the law properly by reading a bare Act one needs to know the structure of a bare Act. The Bare Act contains various sections which are to be read thoroughly in order to understand the law correctly. The sections usually contain the following:
The Preamble- which states the reason behind enacting particular legislation.
The Short title and extent- which tells us about the name of the Act and its territorial applicability.
The Definitions clause- which contains all the important definitions used in the Act.
The Main body of the Act- This is where all the substantive provisions are given.
After going through all these sections, one must try to find out the objective of framing such legislation by reading it as a whole. It is also important to focus on interpretation clauses while reading a bare Act as they help in understanding the true meaning of words and phrases used in an Act.
Understand the language of the Act
Bare Acts are the books that lay down the letter of the law. They do not contain description and any commentary, but mere act. Before jumping directly to understand the sole bare Act, one should first go through the preamble of that particular Act. It would give some context to reader about what is contained in that Act. You must read it multiple times to understand the authenticity of the subject matter of each act.
And thereafter you have to find out certain sections which are important and focus on those sections. Follow the Principle of Literal Interpretation which says that- the words have to be read and understood in their true literal sense. The reader should not interpret it according to his own understanding but he has to interpret it as per the dictionary meaning of those words.
Go through the preamble of the Act
Take a printout of the act and read it 4-5 times. Underline the words that you cannot understand. Search its meaning in the definition
Read the interpretation and the definition clauses.
3. Use the literal meaning for interpretation
Bare Acts are the books that lay down the letter of the law. For understanding the law deeply, one must understand the purpose of the law that has been enacted. It is very important to read the preamble.
Chapter 1 of every Act begins with a short title of the Act. This is the name by which Act shall be known, it also contains the year.
Every Act provides an interpretation/definitions clause that helps define and understand terminologies used in the context of the Act. In case of any ambiguity, this clause will be helpful to resolve such issues
Highlight important sections and definitions
When you are reading a bare act, it is important to focus on the sections and definitions. By doing this, you will be able to understand the law better. Additionally, it is helpful to take notes in the margins or on a separate piece of paper. This will allow you to refer back to your notes later on. Finally, it is also a good idea to consult with a lawyer or other legal expert if you have any questions about the law.
Make notes while reading
When you start reading a Bare Act, it is important to first understand the purpose of the Act and the legislative intention behind it. Try reading short sections of the text (a paragraph or two, or up to a page) and pausing to think about what you just read—then take notes. If there are parts of the Act that you do not understand, break the sentences down into smaller parts and read slowly, taking pauses when you see the use of a comma. Pay special attention to special words like “and”, “or”, “may”, “shall”, “should”, etc. which can change the meaning of a sentence. Finally, search for related case law to better understand the concepts in the Act.
Refer to commentaries and case laws for a better understanding
Reading a bare act can be quite daunting and time-consuming. However, there are some tips that can help make the process easier and more effective. Firstly, it is important to read the bare act as it is written. This means that you should not try to interpret or add your own meaning to the text. Secondly, you should take the help of commentaries and case law when reading a bare act. This will help you to better understand the law and its implications. Thirdly, you should try to relate every section, clause and illustration with their purposes. This will help you to have a clear understanding of the law. Finally, you should read the bare act multiple times in order to fully understand its contents.
Practice by solving questions based on Bare Acts
Solving questions based on bare acts is a great way to learn and understand the law. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of this type of question:
1. Read the bare act from the judiciary exam. This will help you understand the section and its practical application.
2. Go through previous years papers of prelims and mains. This will give you an idea of the types of questions that are asked.
3. Keep your bare act books near. This will save you time in finding the answer to the question.
4. Split your time between reading, finding the answer in your bare act, and answering the question. This will help you manage your time effectively.
