IN PARI MATERIA

in pari materia (in par-I m<<schwa>>-teer-ee-<<schwa>>). [Latin “in the same matter”] 1.adj. On the same subject; relating to the same matter. • It is a canon of construction that statutes that are in pari materia may be construed together, so that inconsistencies in one statute may be resolved by looking at another statute on the same subject. [Cases: Statutes 223.2(1)–223.2(35).]

“[I]t seems that the present position is that, when an earlier statute is in pari materia with a later one, it is simply part of its context to be considered by the judge in deciding whether the meaning of a provision in the later statute is plain.” Rupert Cross, Statutory Interpretation 128 (1976).

2.adv. Loosely, in conjunction with <the Maryland constitutional provision is construed in pari materia with the Fourth Amendment>.

[Blacks Law 8th]