Final answer:
Footnotes in a statute can be used to interpret the law if included by the legislative body. They serve to clarify intentions or provide additional information, though their legal authority varies by jurisdiction and context.
Step-by-step explanation:
Whether footnotes can be used to interpret a statute depends on the jurisdiction and context. Generally, footnotes in a statute can provide additional information and may be used to clarify the intentions of the legislative body when it passed the law.
The most accurate option among the ones provided is a. Yes, if included in statute, because if the legislature includes footnotes or other explanatory comments within the official publication of the statute, these can sometimes be considered as part of the legislative history that aids in the interpretation of the statute. However, the use of footnotes for statutory interpretation is not universal and varies among different legal systems.
Option c. Occasionally for reference, might also apply in some situations where footnotes are included not as authoritative text, but as helpful guides for understanding context or definitions, but should not be considered legally binding parts of the statute.
They may provide useful context or explanations that can assist a court or other body in interpreting the statute's provisions. It is crucial for those referring to legal documents to differentiate between the legal text of the statute and supplementary materials like footnotes, which may not have the same legal effect.