Opinion ID: 1039089
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: standard of review

Text: This appeal presents us with a singular issue of statutory interpretation. We review such questions de novo, “with the ‘ultimate goal’ of giving effect to that purpose which our Legislature intended in crafting the statutory language.” McCain v. Town of North Providence, -6- 41 A.3d 239, 243 (R.I. 2012) (quoting Webster v. Perrotta, 774 A.2d 68, 75 (R.I. 2001)). It is well settled that “the plain statutory language” is “the best indicator” of the General Assembly’s intent. Id. (quoting DeMarco v. Travelers Insurance Co., 26 A.3d 585, 616 (R.I. 2011)). This Court will not construe a statute “to achieve [a] meaningless or absurd result[ ].” Id. (quoting Ryan v. City of Providence, 11 A.3d 68, 71 (R.I. 2011)). Rather, when interpreting statutes, a court should construe “each part or section    in connection with every other part or section to produce a harmonious whole.” 2A Norman J. Singer & J.D. Shambie Singer, Sutherland Statutes and Statutory Construction § 46:5 at 189-90 (7th ed. 2007). IV