The times must be distinguished.

Explanation

In construing statutes, contracts, and rights, the time period matters — what was lawful at one time may be unlawful at another, and the applicable law is determined by the time of the act.

Where this applies

• A contract signed in 1920 is interpreted under the legal standards of that era, not under modern commercial law, because the times must be distinguished.
• A property right established under colonial law is analyzed according to the legal framework in force at the time the right vested, not under current statutes.
• A criminal defendant's conduct is judged under the law as it existed when the act was committed, not under a subsequently enacted and harsher statute, because the relevant time period must be identified and respected.

See also

• 10.1.1 Liberal constructions of written instruments are to be made, on account of the simplicity of the common people, so that the thing may have effect rather than perish; and words should serve the intention, not the intention the words.