Use of Common Law Rules of Construction

Inclusiveness of This Code. Laws Not Retroactive. Provisions Similar to Existing Law. Actions Affected by This Code. Religious Exemption. Official Languages. English Version Controls. Limitations. Time Within Which to do an Act. Seal: What Is. Joint Authority of Public Officers. Authority of Deputies and Agents. Government Defined. Amendments and Additions. Words and Terms Defined: Significance of Words. Authorization of Expenditures: Effect. Notice; How Given. Notice; Actual and Constructive. Constructive Notice; Presumed. Headings Have No Effect. Severability. Tenure of Office Preserved. Scope of This Chapter. Words and Phrases. Use of Common Law Rules of Construction. Unless a different intent appears in law, or in applicable court decisions, or in this Code, the common law rules of construction shall apply to the interpretation of this Code and to all other laws of Guam; provided, that, common law rules that statutes in derogation of the common law, and penal statutes shall be strictly construed shall not apply.