True or False: The heading of a statute limits the meaning of the statute.

True or False: The heading of a statute limits the meaning of the statute.

• A. True
• B. Not necessarily
• C. False
• D. The heading has no legal effect

Answer: (C)

Headings are organizational aids, not controlling language. The actual text of the statute sets the meaning, and headings don’t limit or redefine that meaning. Courts may look at headings to understand structure or to clarify ambiguity, but they won’t override the plain words of the statute. If the text is clear, the heading doesn’t alter it; if the text is ambiguous, headings may be considered as one factor among others to interpret legislative intent, not as a binding limitation.

Headings are organizational aids, not controlling language. The actual text of the statute sets the meaning, and headings don’t limit or redefine that meaning. Courts may look at headings to understand structure or to clarify ambiguity, but they won’t override the plain words of the statute. If the text is clear, the heading doesn’t alter it; if the text is ambiguous, headings may be considered as one factor among others to interpret legislative intent, not as a binding limitation.