Free UK law study video
Read a statute in four passes
A four-pass method for reading UK statutory provisions, definitions, cross-references, exceptions and revision status.
Why this method works
Statutory meaning can depend on defined terms, linked provisions, conditions, exceptions and schedules. Read those parts as one structure rather than treating one section as a complete rule in isolation.
Use legislation.gov.uk to check commencement, amendments and revision warnings. Also check territorial extent and application: an Act's UK label does not mean every section applies across England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Then restate the relevant provision in your own words and apply it to the facts.
- Start with the exact provision and legal question.
- Trace definitions, cross-references and exceptions.
- Check commencement, territorial extent, application, amendments and revision warnings.
Accessible transcript
What the video says
UK law students, a statute is not just a wall of sections. Read it in four passes. First, identify the exact provision and the question you are answering. Second, check definitions and cross-references. Third, read the exceptions, conditions and schedules that can change the rule. Fourth, check commencement, amendments and revision warnings on legislation.gov.uk. Then put the provision into your own words before applying it to the facts. The official text stays in charge. Durmah helps you unpack the structure, not replace your statutory interpretation.
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Responsible-use note: this lesson supports study method, not submission-ready work. Check the original authority, the law applicable to your course and your institution's rules. Visuals and narration are AI-generated.
