§ 12-2A-4 NMSA 1978

Construction of "shall", "must" and "may"

Known as the Uniform Statute and Rule Construction Act

The act spans §§ 12–12 (20 sections).

Laws 1997, ch. 173, § 4.

A. "Shall" and "must" express a duty, obligation, requirement or condition precedent.

B. "May" confers a power, authority, privilege or right.

C. "May not", "must not" and "shall not" prohibit the exercise of a power, authority, privilege or right.

Official source: NMOneSource (New Mexico Compilation Commission). Reproduced from public-domain New Mexico statutes; confirm against the official source for the current text. Not legal advice.