2009 California Code of Civil Procedure - Section 1235.010-1235.070 :: Article 1. Construction

1235.010.  Unless the provision or context otherwise requires, these
preliminary provisions and rules of construction shall govern the
construction of this title.

1235.020.  Chapter, article, and section headings do not in any
manner affect the scope, meaning, or intent of the provisions of this
title.

1235.030.  Whenever any reference is made to any portion of this
title or to any other statute, such reference shall apply to all
amendments and additions heretofore or hereafter made.

1235.040.  Unless otherwise expressly stated:
   (a) "Chapter" means a chapter of this title.
   (b) "Article" means an article of the chapter in which that term
occurs.
   (c) "Section" means a section of this code.
   (d) "Subdivision" means a subdivision of the section in which that
term occurs.
   (e) "Paragraph" means a paragraph of the subdivision in which that
term occurs.

1235.050.  The present tense includes the past and future tenses;
and the future, the present.

1235.060.  "Shall" is mandatory and "may" is permissive.

1235.070.  If any provision or clause of this title or application
thereof to any person or circumstances is held invalid, the
invalidity does not affect other provisions or applications of the
title that can be given effect without the invalid provision or
application, and to this end the provisions of this title are
severable.