What is the test for determining the scope of a statutory interpretation of a North Dakota Statutory Amendment to the Criminal Code?

Before proceeding to analyze the statutes, the court notes two principles of statutory construction. First, "[a]s with any case involving statutory interpretation, 'we state once again the obvious when we note that, in determining the scope of a statute, one is to look first at its language.' [citations omitted] 'Absent a clearly expressed legislative intention to the contrary, that language must ordinarily be regarded as conclusive.' [citations omitted]" North Dakota v. United States, 460 U.S. 300, 312 (1983)); see United States v. Curtis, 988 F.2d 946, 948 (9th Cir. 1993) (citing In re Perroton, 958 F.2d 889, 893 (9th Cir. 1992)). "When we find the terms of a statute unambiguous, judicial inquiry is complete, except in 'rare and exceptional circumstances.'

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