Numerical Codes for Modes of Legal Reasoning

0 Stat Interp A Striving for a sensible construction of statute so as not to reach an absurd result. 1 Stat Interp B Congress would have been explicit if they wanted to deny these rights. 2 Stat Interp C Determining the meaning of the statute by textual analysis or deduction. 3 Plenary Power It is not for the courts to make changes to policy, Congress has control over this area of law. 4 Proc Due Process The lower court or administrative agency official made an error. 5 Doctrine Citing of legal doctrine and case law. 6 Administrative Discretion Deference to the admin agency (usually the BIA) and the court will only overturn if there was not enough substantial evidence supporting the BIA's determination. 7 Reasonable Decision was reasonable and supported by substantial evidence. 8 Evidence Decided the case based on facts and evidence. 9 Fong Haw Tan Standard from the case Fong Haw Tan v. Phelan , 333 U.S. 6 (1948): “deportation is an extreme measure; we should take care before we deport someone.” 10 National Sovereignty The regulation of a nation's borders, including the determination of which aliens may enter and remain in the United States, is one of any sovereign nation's prerogatives. 11 Harmony of Construction Whenever possible, we should read statutes as not being in conflict with treaties. 12 Foreign Policy Immigration is closely related to Congress's foreign policy functions.