10AMeaning of "must", "is to" and "may"

### 10A Meaning of "must", "is to" and "may" > [*\[Section 10A Inserted by No. 62 of 2000, Sched. 1, Applied:14 Nov 2000\]*](/view/html/inforce/2000-11-14/act-2000-062#JS1@Ja1@GC2@EN) > > > (1)  In any Act – > > > > > > (a) the word "must" is to be construed as being mandatory; and > > > > > > > (b) the words "is to" and "are to" are to be construed as being directory; and > > > > > > > (c) the word "may" is to be construed as being discretionary or enabling, as the context requires. > > > (2)  [Subsection (1)](#GS10A@Gs1@EN) applies only in respect of a provision of an Act if that provision is passed after the commencement of the [Justice Legislation (Miscellaneous Amendments) Act 2000](/view/html/inforce/2026-04-12/act-2000-999) .