Preamble

An introduction prefixed to a statute, reciting the intention of the legislature in framing it, or the evils which led to its enactment. A preamble is said to be the key of a statute, to open the minds of the makers complished, by the provisions of the statute.

4 Inst. 330; 6 Pet. (U. S.) 301.

In modern legislative practice, preambles are much less used than formerly, and in some of the United States are rarely, if ever, now inserted in statutes. In the interpretation of a statute, though resort may be had to the preamble, it cannot limit or control the express provisions of the statute.

Dwarr. St. 504-508.

Nor can it by implication enlarge what is expressly fixed.

1 Story, Const, bk. 3, c. 6; 3 Mc Cord (S. C.) 298; 15 Johns. (N. Y.) 89; Busb. (N. C.) 131; 2 Ware (U. S.) 38.