Statutory interpretation of words and phrases: prefer ordinary contextual meaning, departing only to avoid absurd or unintended results.

Statutory interpretation of words and phrases requires ascertaining the ordinary or natural meaning of the term within the statute's context-considering the statute as a whole, prior law, related enactments, scope and the mischief intended-and applying that meaning unless it yields a result clearly inconsistent with legislative intent. Where language is clear and admits only one meaning, the plain meaning controls and courts must not add to or subtract from statutory provisions; departures are permitted only to avoid results that could not reasonably have been intended by the legislature.

---

---

---