Statutory Interpretation Flashcards

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1
Q

Statutory Interpretation

A

process by which judges have to decide the meanings of words or phrases in Acts of Parliament or other legislation

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2
Q

Factors that cause wording of Acts to be uncertain

A

broad term/ changes in language/ Ambiguous words/ drafting or other error/ New developments

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3
Q

Literal Rule

A

Judge will give words contained in the statute their ordinary and plain meaning even if this cause absurd results.

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4
Q

Example of literal rule

A

Whiteley v Chappel

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5
Q

Golden Rule

A

Judge can take flexible approach to rectify absurdity of literal rule result

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6
Q

What can the courts take when considering statutes

A

Narrow or wide interpretation

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7
Q

Example of Golden Rule

A

Adler v George

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8
Q

Mischief Rule

A

Heydon’s case allows judges to look for mischief/problems in statute passed to remedy

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9
Q

Example of Mischief Rule

A

Elliot v Grey

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10
Q

Purposive Approach

A

Judges decide what parliament meant to achieve i.e the purpose

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11
Q

Example of Purposive Approach

A

Pepper V Hart
Lord Denning

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12
Q

Advantage of GR

A

Gives judges discretion and puts right absurdities caused by literal rule

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13
Q

Disadvantage of GR

A

Judges given power to interpret what is constitutionally the role of the legislators

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14
Q

Advantage of LR

A

Respects Parliamentary Sovereignty

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15
Q

Disadvantage of LR

A

Led to absurd results

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16
Q

Advantage of PA

A

flexible and seeks purpose or reason why Act was passed

17
Q

Disadvantage of PA

A

Danger of judiciary creating new laws

18
Q

Advantage of MR

A

Most flexible of rules when dealing with statutes

19
Q

Disadvantage of MR

A

Gives too much power to unelected judges to interpret “will of parliament”