Legistics
References to Text in Columns
Recommendation
It is recommended that references to text set out in columnar format be made in the following manner:
(3) The user of a parking service set out in column 1 of the schedule shall pay the amount set out in column 3.
Background
The following example illustrates the previous practice for referring to text that is set out in columnar format:
(3) The user of a parking service set out in column 1 of an item of the schedule shall pay the amount set out in column 3 of that item.
Rationale
Two factors suggest that this manner of referring to text in columns should not be used. Firstly, the wordiness of the format hinders reader comprehension, making the provision more difficult to interpret. Secondly, such a reference is technically incorrect, in that the columns in question are columns of the schedule, not columns of the items in question.
The French drafting practice correctly refers to columns as being columns of the schedule, not the item:
(3) L'utilisateur d'un service de stationnement visé à la colonne 1 de l'annexe paye le montant prévu à la colonne 3.
The recommended formulation has the added benefit of bringing the English drafting practice more into conformity with the French drafting practice.
Particular Items
In addition, given the fact that columns are not "of" items (just as items are not "of" columns, both being "of" the schedule, table, etc.), references to particular items in columnar text should be made in the following manner (within or across schedules, single or multiple references):
- (2) A water conditioner whose concentration of copper sulphate is set out in item 2, column 1, of Schedule 3 must bear the precautionary symbol set out in column 2.
- (2) A water conditioner whose concentration of copper sulphate is set out in item 2, column 1, of Schedule 3 must bear the precautionary symbol set out in item 7, column 2, of Schedule 5.
- (2) A water conditioner whose concentration of copper sulphate is set out in item 2 or 3, column 1, of Schedule 3 must bear the precautionary symbol set out in item 7 or 8, respectively, column 2, of Schedule 5.
- Date modified: