Implicitness in Normative Texts

The paper deals with implicitness in normative texts. Assuming a definition of normative text and considering as implicit meaning whatever is presupposed or implicated by a text, it is argued that the retrieval of implicit meaning is indispensable to the understanding of normative texts as well as of informative ones. The reliability of explicitation practices relies, however, upon the normativity of implicitness, without which we could not distinguish between correct understanding and failure to understand. The implications of the claim that implicitness is normative are examined and the explicitation of presuppositions and implicatures of normative texts is exemplified by reference to passages drawn from the regulations of a condominium and a draft law presented to Italian parliament. Explicitation practices are shown to yield information about the normative background and the motivations of the norm at issue, and to contribute to the content of the norm and to its possible applications.