The legislative drafter can adapt these objectives as principles in conjunction with those enumerated in international and regional human rights instruments for purposes of the Bill or place them, with necessary adaption, as direct objectives in the Bill. Some of the objectives can also be moved to the memorandum and long title of the Bill. Section 2 is the interpretation clause. This section provides for clear definitions which are relevant to the subject matter and repeatedly used in the substantive text. The essence of the definition of words and terms is to prevent ambiguity, enhance consistency in the language used and certainty to the law. Further, technical terms and words are defined for the better understanding of the law. Words defined include child, child marriage, victim of child marriage, marriage, harmful practice, religious authority, traditional leader, appropriate authority etc. The interpretation section is also necessary to contextualise the use of words in the text of the law for clarity in meaning, to maximise the breadth of coverage of the law and shorten the law. This section can be adapted by the legislative drafter to suit the legislative style in the Member State. However, the definitions have been drafted in a manner that makes it easy for a drafter to cut and past into the Bill without changing much to it. Note must be taken of the fact that some countries have an Interpretation and General Provisions Law which defines basic and frequently used words in legislation and therefore do not require re-defining in the Bill, for example “Minister”, “Government” “Ministry” “Act” “prescribed” etc. This interpretation Law provides, amongst other things, for the amendment and consolidation of the law with respect to the construction, application and interpretation of written laws. This interpretation Law is, therefore, of general application to all Acts of Parliament and defines certain words and terms commonly used in legislation. It helps shorten legislation and enhances consistency and harmony of the Statute Book. It, therefore, follows that if a word is defined in this interpretation Law then the legislative drafter should not define it in the Bill unless the intention is to give it a different meaning. The Bill should, therefore, be drafted judiciously to take into account these standards. Page 10 of 78